DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: One of the following incompletely staged malignancies: Ovarian cancer of any cell type Primary fallopian tube carcinoma Primary peritoneal carcinoma No clinical evidence of metastases to abdominal organs, the adnexa, or retroperitoneal lymph nodes on CT with contrast or at prior abdominal surgery No metastases on chest x-ray No contraindications to laparoscopy, i.e.: No bowel obstruction No ileus No peritonitis No excessive obesity as indicated by a Quetelet Index over 35 (weight in kg/height in sqm) No diaphragmatic hernia on chest x-ray No grade 2 heart toxicity