LAPAROTOMY IN THE RE-EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED HODGKINS-DISEASE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 65  (7-8) , 685-687
Abstract
Twelve patients with advanced nodular sclerosis Hodgkin''s disease were extensively reassessed following the completion of planned chemotherapy. The evaluation culminated in an exploratory laparotomy. Eight patients with no evidence of abdominal involvement on noninvasive tests also had no Hodgkin''s disease found during laparotomy. Four patients had intra-abdominal Hodgkin''s disease suspected prior to laparotomy based on the results of the noninvasive procedures. At laparotomy, benign abnormalities were present in 3 patients; only 1 had residual Hodgkin''s disease. No patient with a negative laparotomy developed recurrent abdominal Hodgkin''s disease; 2 patients developed supradiaphragmatic recurrences. The patient with persistent Hodgkin''s disease had his treatment regimen successfully altered. Patients with negative preoperative findings probably do not benefit further from a laparotomy. In selected patients with suspicious intra-abdominal findings, the results of laparotomy may alter future management.