second-look surgery
A planned surgical re-exploration performed after completion of chemotherapy to assess treatment response and detect residual disease, particularly in ovarian cancer.
Full Definition
Second-look surgery is a systematic surgical re-exploration performed in patients who have completed primary treatment for gynecologic malignancies, most commonly ovarian cancer, to evaluate treatment response and identify any residual disease. This procedure involves thorough inspection of the peritoneal cavity, sampling of suspicious areas, and cytologic examination of peritoneal washings. While historically used to guide further treatment decisions, second-look surgery has largely fallen out of favor due to lack of proven survival benefit, though it may still be considered in select cases or research protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Distinct from interval debulking surgery, which is performed between chemotherapy cycles, not after completion of treatment.
In Context
- "The oncology team discussed whether second-look surgery would provide meaningful information given the patient's complete clinical response." — Tumor board discussion
- "Second-look surgery revealed microscopic disease in the pelvis despite negative imaging studies." — Pathology report