Cytoreduction of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Using the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator

ABSTRACT Mesothelioma occurring in the peritoneum in women is a rare event. Even more uncommon is its occurrence in the absence of a history of asbestos exposure. Because of the diffuse spread found at the time of diagnosis, cytoreduction, in the past, has not been feasible. The outcome is uniformly fatal, and the survival is short. Cytoreduction using the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator is feasible. An impact of cytoreduction on survival would be hoped for, as has been demonstrated in ovarian cancer. This demonstration may have to await discovery of active cytotoxic agents, however. (J GYNECOL SURG 8:95, 1992)