Dr William Cliby Discusses Improving Surgical Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer

We’ve done a lot of work on quality improvement, such as enhancing recovery, reducing intestinal injury during and after surgery, and reducing infections after surgery, explained William Cliby, MD, consultant, division of gynecologic surgery, department of obstetrics & gynecology, Mayo Clinic.

Transcript

What surgical quality improvement measure have you focused on to improve surgical outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer?

For us, it’s taken 2 shapes. One is to reduce the amount of residual disease in the patient at the end of their first surgery. We think that puts them in the best position to respond to chemotherapy. So, we’ve spent a lot of effort at our own place and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology has, as well, to try to improve the surgical quality. Leaving less residual disease, using upper abdominal resection techniques to get the best quality surgery.

More specifically, to the actual surgical event, is steps to reduce the complications after surgery. We’ve done a lot of work on quality improvement, whether it’s enhanced recovery, so faster recovery for patients, reducing intestinal injury during and after surgery, reducing infections after surgery as well. All of those things have allowed us to reduce our complication rate and so reduce the amount of poor outcomes relative to good outcomes.