Ovarian Cancer Surgery: What You Need to Know

Most women who undergo surgical treatment for ovarian cancer aren’t clear about what the procedure involves. The reason: ovarian cancer surgery is different for every patient. While doctors usually remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, the extent of surgery depends on the stage of disease and the individual’s overall health and wellbeing.

“For the average patient with cancer distributed throughout the peritoneal cavity, surgery not only involves removing the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, but also tissue in your upper abdomen,” says Dr. Jocelyn Chapman, gynecologic oncologist at the University of California in San Francisco. Called “omentum,” this lymphatic tissue collects tumor cells and is often thickened with ovarian cancer cells when patients come in for surgery.

Ovarian Cancer Surgery Specifics

Patients who undergo surgery for ovarian cancer usually require extensive procedures that last for several hours. The goal, of course, is for doctors to remove all visible signs of cancer at the time of surgery. Often that means removing additional tissue that extends beyond the peritoneal cavity.

This type of debulking surgery may require removing portions of the bowel, bladder, stomach, appendix, liver, spleen, or pancreas. “About 30 to 50 percent of patients will have a bowel resection, which means that they are at increased risk of surgical infections related to cutting and putting the bowel back together,” Dr. Chapman says.

If you have extensive bowel involvement, your doctor may insert an ostomy bag to relieve the stool. If your bladder is affected, your doctor may place a thin tube called a catheter in your bladder to remove urine. In either case, these tools that aid elimination are usually temporary. Once you recover from the procedure, your bowel and bladder will usually resume normal functioning.

Ovarian Cancer Surgery Recovery

Even under ideal circumstances, ovarian cancer surgery is complicated. Depending on the extent of disease, you may be under anesthesia for a full day. If that’s the case, it’s likely you’ll receive a blood transfusion during surgery.

“Up to 50 percent of patients need a blood transfusion during surgery, which often means patients will spend a day or two in the intensive care unit to assist with their recovery after surgery,” Dr. Champman says.

You may wake up with a tube down your throat and you’ll likely remain in the hospital for several days to a week following the procedure so doctors can easily manage your pain level and monitor your recovery.

Ovarian Cancer Surgery During a Pandemic

Undergoing ovarian cancer surgery during the coronavirus pandemic presents unique challenges. Not only are doctors charged with getting patients into surgery quickly, but they also have to take extensive measures to ensure patient safety.

“Since ovarian cancer patients are an at-risk population, there are no visitors allowed during the coronavirus pandemic,” Dr. Chapman says. “That’s obviously a huge challenge for patients undergoing such an invasive procedure with an ongoing and uncertain recovery.”

Unfortunately, if you undergo surgery for ovarian cancer during the pandemic, you will likely not have family or loved ones by your side during your recovery in the hospital. Once you’re released though, having a solid support system in place will help you get back on your feet more quickly.

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