Ovarian Cancer: Preparing for Surgery

When it comes to preparing for ovarian cancer surgery, instructions vary depending on the stage and extent of disease as well as your surgeon’s personal preferences. Most surgeons advise patients not to eat or drink anything after midnight the day before the operation. Some surgeons even require patients to restrict their diet to only clear liquids for 24 hours before surgery, but that advice is changing.

“There isn’t any good evidence that dietary restrictions the day before surgery reduce the risk of complications,” says Dr. Jocelyn Chapman, a gynecologic oncologist at the University of California in San Francisco.

Chapman encourages patients to eat anything they like until midnight the night before surgery. Not only does it feel good to eat the foods you enjoy, but it may also help fuel your body for recovery, particularly since you may not feel interested in food for the day or two following surgery.

Pain Control for Surgery

Ovarian cancer surgeries are extensive. In addition to removing the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, surgeons often have to remove additional tissue in the abdomen. So you should expect to feel some pain and discomfort.

“Any kind of surgery hurts, and it hurts more when doctors have to make a large incision,” Dr. Chapman says. “Ovarian cancer requires doctors to access the entire abdominal cavity, so the incision usually covers most of the abdomen.”

To control pain, doctors rely on a variety of medications before, during, and after the procedure. Immediately before surgery, you’ll receive an injection called an epidural that delivers the anesthetic directly to the spine and helps numb the abdomen for the first few days following surgery.

“Our goal, of course, is to ensure patients are not in so much pain that they are unable to move after surgery,” Dr. Chapman says. “An important part of healing after a big procedure is being able to get up and move around.” Movement not only improves circulation, it can also reduce your risk of blood clots and other complications.

Preparing for Success

Many patients with ovarian cancer suffer from uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, cramping, and abdominal discomfort. While it can be difficult to eat well and exercise when you’re managing those symptoms, doctors say building up your stamina before surgery is critical.

“If you have a bowel resection, you probably won’t feel like eating after the procedure,” Dr. Chapman says. “Most people are on a clear liquid diet for a day or two after the procedure before they feel ready to eat food.”

It’s important to fuel your body and build up your stamina before surgery. A few key strategies:

• Eat a healthy diet: Preparing for surgery requires good nutrition in the days leading up to the procedure. While your appetite may be waning, it’s important to eat sufficient protein and avoid losing weight.
• Stay hydrated: Getting enough fluid in your system is critical not only to support your body’s organs, joints, and tissues but also to flush out toxins after surgery.
• Get moving: Exercise is important to maintain a healthy body and mind. In fact, there’s evidence to suggest that building endurance through exercise, even just walking, can help patients recover more quickly after surgery.

Unsure about the best way to prepare for your procedure? Talk to your doctor. Every ovarian cancer surgery patient is unique, so it’s important to make sure you’re following your doctor’s orders.

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