Surgery is one of the main treatments for ovarian cancer. For many people it is used alongside chemotherapy. The exact plan depends on several things, including the type of ovarian cancer, where it is, whether it has spread, and your general health. This means there is no single operation that suits everyone. Your surgeon will explain the operation they recommend for you, why they think it is the best option, and what alternatives may be available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This information gives a general overview only. It does not replace the discussion you will have with your own surgical team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The aim of surgery is usually to remove as much cancer as possible. This is often referred to as cytoreductive surgery (meaning reducing the amount of cancer in the body). For many patients, achieving removal of all visible disease is associated with the best outcomes, but importantly this type of surgery is not right for everyone, and decisions are always individualised.<\/p>\n\n\n
In some situations, surgery is done before chemotherapy. In others, chemotherapy is given first and surgery is performed later (sometimes called interval surgery). The operation itself may be similar in both situations, but the timing is different.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
The exact operation varies from person to person and depends on what is found on scans, at surgery, and on what is safe and helpful in your particular case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surgery for ovarian cancer may involve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the cancer has spread, surgery may also include removing disease from other areas, and sometimes parts of the bowel or other organs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In many cases, surgery is performed through a cut in the abdomen under general anaesthetic. For some women with an ovarian mass, the operation may be more limited; for others it may need to be more extensive. Your surgeon will discuss what they think is most likely in your case, but sometimes the full extent of surgery only becomes clear during the operation itself.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Because ovarian cancer can sometimes involve the bowel, some patients may need bowel surgery as part of their operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a section of bowel needs to be removed, the surgeon may be able to join the bowel back together. Sometimes that is not possible or not safe, and a stoma may be needed. A stoma is an opening on the tummy where waste is collected into a bag. This may be temporary or permanent depending on the circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your team thinks this is a possibility, they will discuss it with you before surgery.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
All operations carry risks. These include risks related to the anaesthetic and risks from major abdominal surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Possible complications include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most women do not experience major complications, but it is important that you understand the possible risks in your own situation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Recovery varies from person to person. After surgery, you will usually wake up in the recovery area and then return to the ward. Some patients, particularly after more extensive surgery, may need a short stay in a higher level care area, such as a High Dependency Unit (HDU) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where closer monitoring is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is common to have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are usually temporary and will be removed as you recover.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
There are several important things that help your recovery after surgery:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your healthcare team will guide you through each of these steps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Recovery experiences vary. Common issues after surgery can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some women may also experience menopausal symptoms if their ovaries are removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the surgery performed, there can also be longer-term effects on fertility, sexual function, body image, and emotional wellbeing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
It can be very helpful to take written questions to your appointment. A pad and pen can also be useful so you can note down important points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Questions you may want to ask include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no one-size-fits-all operation for ovarian cancer. Two people with the same diagnosis may still be advised to have different treatment plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recommendation depends on your scan results, biopsy findings, general health, symptoms, and what your team believes can be done safely and effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should feel able to ask questions at any stage. It is completely reasonable to ask for information to be repeated, to write questions down in advance, and to bring someone with you to appointments if that would help.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n