Ovarian Cancer Surgery: The Facts
- Ovarian cancer surgery is different for every patient
- In nearly every case, surgeons will remove the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries
- Most surgeries for ovarian cancer are extensive and may involve other parts of the abdomen
“Much of what we have to do is based on what we find at the time of surgery,” explains Dr. Kimberly Levinson, Director of Johns Hopkins Gynecologic Oncology at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. “But in every case, the goal of surgery is to remove all visible disease.”
Read More- Hysterectomy: removal of the uterus and cervix
- Bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy: removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes
Removal of other organs or parts of organs depends on what doctors see at the time of surgery. If the cancer has spread beyond the reproductive organs, your doctor will remove as much of it as possible. Called “debulking,” this technique may require removing portions of the bowel, bladder, stomach, appendix, liver, spleen, or pancreas.
“In most cases, we’re able to put the bowel back together and patients don’t experience a difference in their quality of life long-term,” Dr. Levinson says. “But if there are multiple areas of bowel involvement, patients may require an ostomy or a bag to relieve the stool.”
If part of your bladder is removed, doctors will place a thin tube called a catheter into the bladder to remove urine. In most cases, the need for an ostomy bag or catheter is temporary. Once the body has recovered from the procedure, your bowel and bladder will likely resume normal functioning.
Ovarian Cancer Surgery Facts
Surgery for ovarian cancer is complex and you may be under general anesthesia for several hours. If that’s the case, you may receive a blood transfusion as part of the procedure and spend time in the intensive care unit after surgery.
“Patients may remain intubated with a tube down their throat overnight, so that we can protect their lungs for that 24-hour period while they continue to recover from surgery,” Dr. Levinson says.
You may stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days after surgery so doctors can easily manage pain and monitor your recovery. While most ovarian cancer requires extensive surgery, your doctor will aim to perform the procedure that will remove as much disease as possible while minimizing side effects and preserving quality of life. Most patients are able to resume their usual activities within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
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