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Where is the peritoneal area?
The peritoneum is a thin membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.
It protects and supports organs in the abdomen and pelvis, including the stomach, intestines, and liver.
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The peritoneum is made of two layers, and the peritoneal cavity is the space between these two layers.
The peritoneal cavity doesnt contain organs but contains small amounts of fluid.
Peritoneal washing can also help determine the prognosis for certain gastric and pancreatic cancers.
In some cases, peritoneal washing is used during “second-look surgery.”
What is peritoneal washings?
Limitations
Results from specimens obtained during peritoneal washing can sometimes be challenging to interpret.
How It Works
Peritoneal washing is performed during surgery to look for cancer or remove tumors.
It is performed with the patient undergeneral anesthesiain a hospital setting and before other surgical procedures.
The peritoneal cavity is bathed in a sterile saline or saltwater solution during the procedure.
The solution and cells from the cavity are then removed and sent to a lab to be tested.
Cancer Surgery Approaches
There are different approaches to cancer surgery.
You should discuss the outcomes and options with your oncologist or healthcare provider.
Results
After the procedure, the solution is analyzed for cancer cells (peritoneal cytology).
If the peritoneal cytology is positive, then cancer cells are present.
What Is Cytology?
Cytology means examining a single cell throw in.
Risks and Contraindications
Peritoneal washing does not cause any side effects.
These risks will vary depending on your health and the key in of surgery you have.
You also may haveside effects from general anesthesia.
These side effects are temporary and should begin to subside within 24 hours.
During the procedure, the peritoneal cavity is washed with a sterile solution.
The solution and cells are removed and examined for cancer.
The results help healthcare providers diagnose cancer, determine the stage of cancer, and develop treatment plans.
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