Laparoscopic fluorescence detection of ovarian carcinoma metastases using 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐induced protoporphyrin IX

Abstract

Laparoscopic fluorescence detection of endogenous PP IX after intraperitoneal application of ALA may provide a higher sensitivity of finding peritoneal metastases of epithelian ovarian carcinoma compared with conventional laparoscopy. Direct visualization of in vivo fluorescence after ALA application may improve the early detection of intraperitoneal ovarian carcinoma micrometastases. The high tissue selectivity of PP IX accumulation in tumor tissue specimens also offers the opportunity for therapeutic approaches using photodynamic therapy in the future.