The aim of our study is to compare the findings of investigative modalities and second look laparoscopy in ovarian cancer and establish the safety and accuracy of second look laparoscopy for detecting ovarian cancer.

We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with ovarian cancer treated by a single surgeon from 2006 to 2013. These patients were diagnosed at the time of primary cytoreductive surgery and received six cycles of combination chemotherapy. Then, they underwent second look laparoscopy. They were followed up with tumor markers monthly and PET-CT and/or CT scans.

All 11 patients had undergone primary surgery followed by six cycles of consolidation chemotherapy. Eight patients had positive pathologic findings on second look laparoscopy (72.7 %). The CA 125 level was higher in one patient (12.5%). In seven patients who had positive results on second look laparoscopy, the value was well below normal limits (87.5%). Three patients had recorded increases in fluorodeoxyglucose uptake (37.5%). The increase in standardized uptake values in specific regions in the scans corresponded to positive biopsies from those regions. Seven patients who had positive findings on second look laparoscopy were treated with consolidation chemotherapy. The 5-year survival rate was 66.67%, and the 5-year recurrence rate was 33.33%.

There are limitations to the accuracy of current investigative techniques, and we must rely on clinical correlation with these modalities for each case of second look laparoscopy. It is feasible to safely perform second look laparoscopy to detect remnant ovarian cancer.