Ovarian Cancer Series 13: What Happens Before and After Ovarian Cancer Surgery?
Preparation includes the operation, the hospital stay, and support at home. Preparing for ovarian cancer surgery involves more than the operation itself. You may be thinking about what will be removed, how you will feel afterward, and who will help when you return home. A clear preparation and recovery plan can make those questions easier to discuss. The details vary considerably between patients. This guide explains the conversations and practical arrangements that commonly matter, while your own surgical instructions remain the guide for fasting, medicines, activity, and urgent symptoms. Ask the team to tailor the plan to the procedure you are actually having. 1. What is ovarian cancer surgery intended to accomplish? Ovarian cancer surgery may establish the diagnosis and stage, remove cancer, or do both. For many epithelial cancers, the surgeon aims to remove all visible disease when this can be done safely. The proposed operation depends on the location and extent of cancer, ...