Prolonged intraperitoneal infusion of 5-fluorouracil using a novel carrier solution.

A novel peritoneal carrier solution, Icodextrin 20 (7.5%), has allowed exploration of prolonged, intraperitoneal (i.p.) infusion of the cytotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). A phase I and pharmacokinetic study was performed to determine the toxicities and maximum tolerated dose of prolonged and continuous intraperitoneal 5-FU in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Seventeen patients were entered into this study. Each patient had a Tenckhoff catheter placed into the peritoneal cavity under general anaesthetic. After initial flushing and gradual increase in exchange volumes with Icodextrin 20, 5-FU was administered daily from Monday to Friday, 50% as a bolus in the exchange bag and 50% in an elastomeric infusor device delivering continuous 5-FU to the peritoneal cavity at 2 ml h-1. Treatment was continued for 12 weeks or until intolerable toxicity developed. Abdominal pain and infective peritonitis proved to be the main dose-limiting toxicities. Initial problems with infective peritonitis were overcome by redesign of the delivery system, and it proved possible to deliver 300 mg m-2 5-FU daily (5 days per week) for 12 weeks. Pharmacokinetic studies showed i.p. steady-state 5-FU concentrations (mean 47 500 ng ml-1) that were > 1000-fold higher than systemic venous levels (mean 30 ng ml-1).

Prospective randomized trials on cytoreduction in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer remains the main cause of death from gynaecological malignancy in England and Wales. Since the reports by Griffiths et al. in the 1970s that optimal cytoreduction to less than or equal to 1.5 cm is associated with an increase in survival there has been a gradual trend towards more radical surgery aimed at maximal tumour reduction. Since these first reports many others have made similar observations, so that now maximal surgical endeavour aimed at cytoreduction is almost standard practice. However, the majority of these reports are based on retrospective analysis, small numbers, poor standardization of treatment and other methodological inconsistencies. To date, no prospective randomized trials have been completed to confirm Griffiths's findings. The authors propose the case for a randomized trial before accepting a new and potentially morbid procedure as standard practice.

Failure to culture bacteria in groin lymph nodes during arterial reconstruction.

A prospective trial was undertaken to establish if infection of groin lymph nodes was a significant risk factor in postoperative wound infection in patients undergoing groin dissection for arterial reconstruction surgery. In a series of 32 patients there was no growth on culture of any lymph nodes biopsied. None of the cases developed a post-operative infection discharging pus. In five cases minor superficial infections occurred from which bacteria were cultured. All resolved rapidly. All patients received prophylactic systemic antibiotics. We conclude that our present direct approach via a short vertical incision carries no increased risk of infection and has the advantage of speed and simplicity. It is unnecessary to make any special more complicated incision designed to avoid lymphatics.