Surgery for ovarian cancer

The type of surgery you have depends on where the cancer is. The surgeon aims to remove as much cancer as possible if it’s spread. 

A laparotomy is an operation to look inside your abdomen and pelvis to see if cancer has spread. You have a large cut in the middle of your abdomen. 

Before your operation, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team. 

How to prepare for your admission to hospital and what to expect on the day of your surgery.

You have a few different tubes in place when you wake up. You usually go home after 2 to 4 days.

Possible problems after surgery for ovarian cancer include infection, bleeding, blood clots, swollen legs or bladder and bowel problems.

Recovering physically and emotionally from surgery will take time.