Ovarian Cancer Surgery in Delhi, India

• Remove the tumour: The primary goal of the surgery is removing the tumour from the ovaries. The tumour can cause discomfort, pain, and pressure on other organs.
• Prevent cancer from spreading: Ovarian cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Surgery can help prevent cancer from spreading by removing the affected tissues and organs.
• Diagnose cancer: Ovarian surgery can help diagnose the stage and type of cancer. It can be used to create a treatment plan.

The patient needs to visit the hospital for the surgery on the scheduled date and time. However, if the patient experiences any of the following symptoms before the surgery, they need to contact their healthcare provider immediately:

• Severe abdominal pain or bloating
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Difficulty breathing

• Early-stage ovarian cancer: Women with early-stage ovarian cancer are good candidates for surgery. Surgery can help remove the cancer cells before they spread to other body parts.
• No other medical conditions: Women with no other medical conditions are good candidates for surgery

Ovarian cancer surgery involves the removal of the cancerous growth in the ovary. The surgery performed depends on factors such as the stage and the location of the tumour, and the patient's overall health. The most common surgical procedures for ovarian cancer include:

• Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: This involves the removal of the uterus, both ovaries, and both fallopian tubes.
• Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: A fertility preserving surgery, it involves the removal of one fallopian tube and one ovary.
• Debulking surgery: This involves the removal of as much of the tumour as possible, along with other affected organs or tissues.

The surgery may be performed using open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, which involves the use of a camera and small incisions. The surgeon may also take tissue samples for further testing.

Before undergoing ovarian cancer surgery, the patient needs to prepare both physically and mentally. The preparation may involve various steps, such as:

• Medical evaluation: The patient needs to undergo various medical tests to determine the stage of cancer and the overall health condition.
• Fasting: The patient may need to fast for a few hours before the surgery.
• Medication adjustments: The patient may need to adjust or stop taking certain medications before the surgery

Like any surgery, ovarian cancer surgery carries some risks and complications, such as:

• Infection: There is risk of developing an infection after the surgery.
• Bleeding: The surgery may cause bleeding, which may require further treatment.
• Blood clots: The patient may develop blood clots in the legs or lungs.
• Damage to nearby organs: The surgery may damage organs nearby, such as the bladder or bowel.
• Pain: The patient may experience pain or discomfort after the surgery.
• Infertility: The surgery may lead to infertility if both ovaries are removed.
• Anaesthesia-related complications: The patient may experience complications related to anaesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

The recovery period after ovarian cancer surgery varies among individuals and depends on various factors like the type of surgery performed, the individual's overall health, and the extent of cancer. The recovery may involve various steps, such as:

• Pain management: The patient may need medication to manage pain and discomfort.
• Activity restrictions: The patient may need to restrict physical activity for a certain period, such as avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
• Diet changes: The patient may need to follow a special diet for a certain period, such as a low-fat or high-fibre diet.
• Follow-up appointments: The patient needs to attend follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
• Emotional support: The patient may need emotional support from family, friends, or a counsellor.

1. What kind of surgery do they do for ovarian cancer?

   Surgery is the primary treatment for ovarian cancer. The type of surgery performed depends on factors such as the stage of cancer and the extent of the disease. In early-stage ovarian cancer, a surgeon may perform a total hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, cervix, and both ovaries. For more advanced ovarian cancer, a surgeon may perform a debulking surgery, which involves removing as much of the tumour as possible. In some cases, a surgeon may also remove the omentum, lymph nodes, and other nearby tissues. The goal of surgery is removing as much cancer as possible while preserving the person's ability to have children if desired.

2. How long is recovery after ovarian cancer?

   The recovery time after ovarian cancer surgery depends on the extent of the surgery, the patient's overall health, and other factors. Typically, a patient will stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery, and it may take several weeks to recover fully. During the recovery period, patients may experience fatigue, pain, and discomfort. They may need time off work and limit their activities. To aid in recovery, patients should follow their doctor's instructions, eat a healthy diet, and engage in light physical activity as soon as possible. It's important for patients to follow up with their doctor regularly to monitor their recovery and address any complications that may arise.

3. How long does ovary removal surgery take?

   The length of ovary removal surgery depends on factors such as the type of surgery performeand the patient's individual circumstances. A simple ovarian cystectomy may only take an hour or less, while a more extensive surgery to remove both ovaries and other tissues may take several hours. Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, and the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for recovery. After surgery, the patient may experience pain and discomfort, but medication can help manage these symptoms.

4. What is optimal debulking ovarian cancer?

   Optimal debulking surgery for ovarian cancer is a surgical procedure aimed at removing as much of the tumour as possible while preserving organ function and quality of life. The surgery may involve removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, omentum, and other surrounding tissues. This type of surgery is typically performed in women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer and is associated with improved survival rates.

5. How soon after ovarian cancer surgery does chemo start?

   The timing of chemotherapy after ovarian cancer surgery varies, consideting factors such as the stage and extent of cancer, as well as other individual factors. In general, chemotherapy may start within a few weeks of surgery once the patient has had time to recover. Chemotherapy may be given intravenously or directly into the abdominal cavity, depending on the extent of cancer. The chemotherapy regimen may last several months, and patients may experience side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. The timing of chemotherapy will be determined by the patient's doctor, who will consider the individual circumstances of each patient.

6. How do they remove an ovary tumour?

   The method used to remove an ovary tumour depends on factors such as the size, location and extent of the tumour and the individual's general health. In some cases, a laparoscopic approach is taken; a small incision is made in the abdomen, and a tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted to remove the tumour. For larger tumours, open surgery may be required; a larger incision is made in the abdomen to remove the ovary. In some cases, the surgeon may also need to remove nearby lymph nodes or other tissue.

7. What happens when one ovary is removed?

   When one ovary is removed, the remaining ovary will usually continue to function normally, and the woman's menstrual cycle will not be affected. However, if both ovaries are removed, menopause may occur, which can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. Women who experience premature menopause (before the age of 40) may also have a higher risk of osteoporosis and other health problems. In select cases, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to help manage menopause symptoms and reduce the risk of health problems.

8. What is the cost of ovarian cancer surgery?

   The cost of ovarian cancer surgery can vary depending on factors, including the type of surgery, the hospital and surgeon's fees, and any additional treatments required. Check with the insurance provider to understand what costs will be covered.

Reviewed by Dr. Kanika Gupta, Senior Director – Surgical Oncology (Gynae & Robotic Surgery), Cancer Care / Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Robotic Surgery on 02-May-2023.