Preoperative Findings of Ascites, Liver Involvement, and Pleural Effusion Can Predict Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Background: Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer has a poor prognosis, where the likelihood of suboptimal debulking surgery (PDS) is a primary cause of postoperative complications and delays in chemotherapy. Accurate diagnosis and efficient management are crucial for improving clinical outcomes in patients. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of preoperative findings of ascites, liver involvement, and pleural effusion on surgical outcomes in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, as well as to provide additional insights into prognostic factors that may influence treatment strategies. Methods: This diagnostic study was conducted at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. A total of 40 patients with advanced ovarian cancer were included in this study, with research variables including findings of ascites, liver involvement, and pleural effusion. Data were collected through medical records and comprehensive preoperative examinations. Results: Among the total patients, 22 had ascites, 3 showed liver involve- ment, and 15 experienced pleural effusion. Diagnostic tests revealed a sensitivity and specificity of liver involvement for suboptimal PDS of 90.62% and 72.5%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 100%. In contrast, findings of ascites and pleural effusion had low accuracy, at 45% and 62.5%, respectively, in predicting PDS outcomes. These results indicate that liver involvement is a more reliable indicator for predicting suboptimal PDS outcomes than ascites and pleural effusion. Conclusion: Liver involvement is a good predictor of suboptimal PDS outcomes, showing potential to assist in preoperative management decisions. Meanwhile, ascites and pleural effusion findings are inconsistent in predict- ing surgical outcomes. This study highlights the importance of thoroughly evaluating these factors before surgical intervention. These findings can aid in the selection of more appropriate preoperative management for patients with advanced ovarian cancer and provide a basis for further research in this area.