Procedure Type
SurgicalProcedure Duration
1 - 2 HoursHospital Stay (Days)
0-1 WeekOvarian cancer originates in the ovaries, the female reproductive glands responsible for producing eggs and hormones. It is often diagnosed at a later stage due to subtle or vague symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic pain, or changes in bowel habits. Surgery plays a central role in both the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. It allows for tumor removal, staging the disease, and sometimes even curing it if detected early. In advanced cases, surgery helps reduce the tumor burden before other treatments like chemotherapy are given.
Before surgery is considered, doctors use a combination of pelvic examinations, ultrasound imaging, CT scans, MRI, and blood tests (notably CA-125) to assess the likelihood of ovarian cancer. However, a definitive diagnosis is typically only possible through surgical biopsy or tumor removal. The goal of preoperative tests is to help determine the extent of the disease and plan the most appropriate surgical strategy.
The type of surgery depends on the stage and spread of the cancer. In early-stage disease, a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of one ovary and fallopian tube) may be sufficient, especially if fertility preservation is a goal. For more advanced stages, a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (both ovaries and tubes), omentectomy (removal of fatty tissue in the abdomen), and lymph node dissection may be required. This is often referred to as cytoreductive or debulking surgery, aiming to remove as much cancer as possible.
Recovery from ovarian cancer surgery varies depending on the extent of the operation. Most patients stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days, followed by several weeks of home recovery. Pain, fatigue, and temporary digestive issues are common. You’ll receive guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and when to resume normal activities. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and plan further treatment if needed. Emotional and psychological support is also an important part of recovery, as the experience can be overwhelming for many patients.
Chief - Radiation Oncology & Co-Chief - Cyberknife Centre
PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR & HOD LAP GI, GI ONCO, BARIATRIC & MIS SURGERY
SENIOR DIRECTOR - GI, GI ONCOLOGY, MINIMAL ACCESS & BARIATRIC SURGERY
Fertility preservation is a key concern for younger women diagnosed at an early stage. If the cancer is limited to one ovary and the other ovary and uterus are healthy, doctors may perform fertility-sparing surgery, preserving reproductive potential. This approach requires careful staging and long-term follow-up. Egg or embryo freezing before treatment is another option for women at risk of losing fertility due to more aggressive surgery or chemotherapy.
The prognosis after surgery largely depends on the stage at diagnosis, type of ovarian cancer, and extent of tumor removal. For women with early-stage ovarian cancer, the outlook is generally good with a high survival rate. In advanced-stage disease, the prognosis improves significantly if optimal debulking is achieved. Regular monitoring, additional therapies, and genetic testing (like BRCA mutation status) can guide future treatment and help in early detection of recurrence.
After surgery, the treatment plan may include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or hormonal therapy, based on the tumor type and molecular characteristics. You'll also undergo regular follow-up appointments with pelvic exams, imaging, and blood tests. It’s important to discuss with your care team about lifestyle adjustments, nutrition, emotional support, and potential clinical trials for advanced or recurrent disease. Multidisciplinary care is essential in managing ovarian cancer and improving outcomes.
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Gurugram, India
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