OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the safety and tolerability of intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel (Paclimer microspheres) in patients with recurrent or persistent ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma. II. Determine and confirm the maximum tolerated dose of this regimen in this patient population. III. Determine plasma paclitaxel concentrations at selected times after intraperitoneal administration of Paclimer microspheres in these patients.