Cholecystectomy at the time of open cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer

Introduction We sought to demonstrate a method of performing open cholecystectomy at the time of cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer. Case/Methods In this surgical film, we present the case of a 78-year-old woman with metastatic high-grade serous ovarian cancer who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY). The surgery was recorded via video, and important steps of performing a cholecystectomy were highlighted. The indications for cytoreductive surgery and cholecystectomy were discussed. Right upper quadrant anatomy was reviewed, including key anatomic variants that can lead to inadvertent injury during dissection. The critical view of safety was emphasized, highlighting the requirement of clear visualization of the structures of the hepatocystic triangle (Strasberg et al., 1995, Strasberg and Brunt, 2010, Manatakis, 2023). Key considerations in identifying, isolating, and ligating the cystic artery and duct were reviewed. Perioperative outcomes were summarized. Conclusion Performance of cholecystectomy at the time of cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer is safe and feasible (Son, 2023). Anatomic variants to the biliary system are common, and it is important to be vigilant of the location and course of key structures to avoid inadvertent injury.