Unsuspected primary tubal carcinoma during operative laparoscopy

Objective. To evaluate the possible risk of dealing with an unsuspected primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube during laparoscopic surgery. Methods. We performed a countrywide sun ey in Austria concerning laparoscopic procedures in cases of primary carcinoma of the tube. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding the pre-, intra-, and postoperative management. Results. Of 18,435 laparoscopies in cases of an adnexal mass, 5 cases were reported, when laparoscopy was performed on an unsuspected carcinoma of the tube. Therefore, the risk of detecting this malignancy during laparoscopy after preoperative evaluation is 1 in 3687 cases (0.028%). Conclusion. The risk of encountering an unsuspected primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube during laparoscopy in Austria is an extremely rare situation. In case of a malignancy, a staging or debulking laparotomy should be performed immediately or as soon as possible. (C) 1998 Academic Press.