How Do I Choose An Ovarian Cancer Surgeon?

"It's incredibly important for every woman who has ovarian cancer to be evaluated by a gynecologic oncologist"a specialist in treating cancers of a woman's reproductive organs, says Dr. Saketh Guntupalli, gynecologic oncologist at Colorado University. "We've done [our] specialty training in women’s cancer and the associated surgeries, so we're able to make an appropriate surgical assessment. It's incredibly important [to choose] the right type of surgeon," who is skilled in the type of surgery you will need.

How Many Surgeries Do You Perform Every Year?

Generally speaking, the more surgeries a surgeon performs, the better prepared they'll be to handle complications should they arise. Most oncologists would agree that technique and volume probably go hand-in-hand. The more surgeries you do, the better your technique becomes. "We do know that patients that are treated in high-volume centers do have better outcomes simply because those surgeons are doing those type of cases more," says Dr. Guntupalli.

On the other hand, some hospitals may incentivize surgeries, which means that surgeons get paid more for doing more operations, and that may not always be in your best interest. It's a fair question to ask a prospective doctor whether that's the case. Though experience and volume are key, they aren't the only criteria. Go with your gut and choose someone you feel you can trust.

Does Your Hospital Support a Team Approach to Treatment?

SurvivorNet previously asked Dr. Kenneth Miller, the director of outpatient oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, what differentiates a "comprehensive cancer center"which many of the "top" cancer centers are.

"Pretty much automatically, there's going to be a team approach [to your care]," Dr. Miller said. "Surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and all the support servicesand also wonderful pathology and radiology." Dr. Miller explained that at a comprehensive cancer center, all these different specialists work together to figure out the best course of treatment for you.

As with choosing a surgeon, the right hospital or cancer center for you should be one where you feel comfortable and confidentand no rankings website can tell you that. “Patients shouldn’t make any assumptions simply because the brand of a prestigious hospital is on the sign or webpage of a hospital in their community," a surgeon at Yale Medicine told Reuters Health. They “should take the time to investigate the safety within the hospitals in their specific area."

Trust, Communication, and Confidence Are Key (But Do Your Homework, Too)

Most oncologists would agree that when choosing a surgeon, comfort and confidence should be at the top of your checklist, since you'll likely have a lasting relationship with the doctor you choose. Though the surgery will pass, you'll be seeing this person regularly in the months and years to come.

Dr. Heather Yeo, a medical advisor to SurvivorNet, says that a surgeon's communication skills should also factor into your decision. "It's really important that a physician can explain stuff to patients," Dr. Yeo said. "You can technically be a very good surgeon, but if you can't have a conversation with a patient and explain to them why they need a certain procedure, and get them through the process, then you may make the wrong decisions for them."

As a patient, you can do some homework by compiling a list of potential surgeons, finding out who's covered by your insurance, and who has operating privileges at highly-regarded hospitals or cancer centers in your area. Ask for recommendations from your primary care physician or other health care providers you see regularly, and from people who've had a similar procedure.

The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) can tell you if a surgeon is licensed in your state. State medical boards also have doctor profiles that include board certifications, board actions, criminal convictions, and medical malpractice claims.

To find out whether the surgeon is board certified or eligible in a particular specialty, check with the American Board of Medical Specialties. "Board certified" means a physician has undergone lengthy training in a specialty and passed a stringent exam.

Most important, though, is that you have confidence in your surgeon, and a good relationship. No matter how qualified your doctor is, if you can't communicate your concerns, or ask your questions, you won't have a good experience. What matters most, oncologists would likely agree, is finding a surgeon who you believe will take the best care of you.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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