Ovarian Cancer (cont.)
Surgery
The surgeon makes a long cut in the wall of the abdomen. This type of surgery
is called a laparotomy. If ovarian cancer is found, the surgeon removes:
- both ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy)
- the uterus (hysterectomy)
- the omentum (the thin, fatty pad of tissue that covers the intestines)
- nearby lymph nodes
- samples of tissue from the pelvis and abdomen
If the cancer has spread, the surgeon removes as much cancer as possible.
This is called "debulking" surgery.
If you have early Stage I ovarian cancer, the extent of surgery may depend on
whether you want to get pregnant and have children. Some women with very early
ovarian cancer may decide with their doctor to have only one ovary, one
fallopian tube, and the omentum removed.
You may be uncomfortable for the first few days after surgery. Medicine can
help control your pain. Before surgery, you should discuss the plan for pain
relief with your doctor or nurse. After surgery, your doctor can adjust the plan
if you need more pain relief.
The time it takes to heal after surgery is different for each woman. You will
spend several days in the hospital. It may be several weeks before you return to
normal activities.
If you haven't gone through menopause yet, surgery may cause hot flashes,
vaginal dryness, and night sweats. These symptoms are caused by the sudden loss
of female hormones. Talk with your doctor or nurse about your symptoms so that
you can develop a treatment plan together. There are drugs and lifestyle changes
that can help, and most symptoms go away or lessen with time.
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You may want to ask your doctor these questions about surgery:
- What kind of surgery do you recommend for me? Will lymph nodes and other
tissues be removed? Why?
- How soon will I know the results from the pathology report? Who will explain
them to me?
- How will I feel after surgery?
- If I have pain, how will it be controlled?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- Will I have any long-term effects because of this surgery?
- Will the surgery affect my sex life?
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