Pre-Surgical Notes
- Ovarian cancer surgery is usually scheduled within two weeks of diagnosis (although the COVID-19 pandemic has postponed surgery for some patients)
- The reason for urgency is to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms
- Ovarian cancer surgeries are extensive; you should discuss the risks with your doctor
“We try to get patients into surgery within one to two weeks,” says Dr. Jocelyn Chapman, a gynecologic oncologist at the University of California in San Francisco. “The speedy scheduling isn’t about trying to achieve a better oncology outcome or improve a patient’s life expectancy. It’s to address the uncomfortable symptoms that arise from having a bulky cancer in their abdomen.” During the COVID-19 epidemic some surgeries have been postponed, and patients have started on chemotherapy first to alleviate symptoms and shrink tumors until it’s deemed safer to have the operation.
Read MoreIn the days before surgery, your doctor will run a variety of tests, including x-rays, computed tomography scans (CT), blood and urine tests, and an electrocardiogram, to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo the procedure. During this time, it’s important to eat well and exercise to keep your energy level high prior to surgery.
Ovarian Cancer Surgery Risks
While the chance of dying during or after ovarian cancer surgery is exceedingly low (less than 1%), the procedure is often extensive and patients may be under general anesthesia for several hours. In addition to removing the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, surgeons often have to remove portions of the bowel, bladder, stomach, appendix, liver, spleen, or pancreas.
This type of debulking surgery comes with significant risks and may require additional medical interventions, including:
- An ostomy bag. If you have extensive bowel involvement, your doctor may insert an ostomy bag to relieve the stool (usually temporary)
- A catheter: If your bladder is affected, your doctor may place a thin tube called a catheter in your bladder to remove urine (usually temporary)
- A blood transfusion: Up to 50% of patients need a blood transfusion during surgery, which increases the risk of infection
- Treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Most patients, particularly those who receive a blood transfusion, will require treatment in the ICU to assist with their recovery after surgery
- Overnight intubation: You may wake up with a tube down your throat and you’ll likely remain in the hospital for several days following the procedure so doctors can easily manage your pain level and monitor your recovery
While most women come through the surgery without serious complications, they can occur. These complications may include blood clots and increased pressure on the heart and other organs. Patients who develop an infection after surgery also require longer hospital stays, which can be complicated in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
“If we get a patient through surgery without any of those complications, we consider ourselves lucky,” Dr. Chapman says. You can do your part to reduce your risk of complications and streamline your recovery by eating well, exercising and building up your stamina prior to surgery.
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