Study on the CA _(125) level before and after conservative operative laparoscopy of endometriosis

Objective To evaluate the serum and peritoneal fluid levels of CA 125 before and after conservative operative laparoscopy of endometriosis. Methods The CA 125 level of serum and peritoneal fluid in 30 cases of endometriosis patients and in 10 controls were determined by immunoenzymatic assay.Results The CA 125 level determined was higher in emdometriosis group than in that in control group, which increased during progressed mild to severe, after conservative laparoscopic surgery, the CA 125 level decreased significantly. In R AFS Ⅰ Ⅱ stage patients, peritoneal fluid CA 125 was more sensitive than serum CA 125 . Conclusion The CA 125 level is of great value in postoperative surveillance during follow up, and evaluation of the effectiveness of surgery. Measurement of CA 125 level in highly diluted peritoneal fluid (1∶100), can avoid the possible “crossing phenomenon” of serum CA 125 in the treatment and control groups, and the “Hook Effect” in undiluted peritoneal fluid specimens. It is feasable to get the peritoneal fluid through postoperative culdocentesis. (Shanghai Med J, 2000,23∶166 168)