Surgery for ovarian cancer is done under a general anaesthetic. The surgeon will make a long cut starting from near the navel (bellybutton) down to the pubic area. This is called a laparotomy.During surgery, the surgeon will also take samples of any fluid in the abdomen. This fluid, the tumour and any organs removed by the surgeon, will be sent to a
pathologist to find out the type and
grade of ovarian cancer and whether it has spread. This will help to determine the
stage of the cancer and whether more treatment is needed.
During the operation a number of tubes may be put in place:
- a nasogastric tube (a tube down the nose and into the stomach): this isn’t always necessary but is sometimes used to remove fluid from the stomach to prevent vomiting
- a drip into a vein in the arm through which fluid, medication and pain relief can be given
- tubes (drains) from the abdomen to remove fluid from the operation
- a catheter (tube) into the bladder to remove urine.
The tubes will be removed over the first 2–5 days after the operation.
