Services

Common Surgical Procedures

1. Hysterectomy

Removal of the uterus. It may be:

• Total Hysterectomy (removes uterus and cervix)

• Radical Hysterectomy (removes uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues)

• Often combined with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries)

2. Lymph Node Dissection

Removal of pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.

3. Oophorectomy

Surgical removal of one or both ovaries. Often used in ovarian or endometrial cancer.

4. Omentectomy

Removal of the omentum (a fatty layer in the abdomen) to check for cancer spread, especially in ovarian cancer.

5. Tumor Debulking (Cytoreductive Surgery)

Removing as much tumor mass as possible. Essential in advanced-stage ovarian cancer to improve survival outcomes.

6. Trachelectomy

Removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus, typically offered to young women with early-stage cervical cancer who wish to preserve fertility.

7. Vulvectomy or Partial Vulvectomy

Removal of part or all of the vulva in cases of vulvar cancer.

8. Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Laparoscopic or Robotic Surgery allows precise tumor removal with smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recovery.

• Often used in early-stage uterine and cervical cancers.

Benefits of Surgical Treatment

• Direct removal of cancer for early-stage disease

• Provides accurate staging information

• Helps determine the need for further treatments

• Reduces tumor burden to improve success of chemo/radiotherapy

Risks & Complications

As with any surgery, there are potential risks including:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Damage to nearby organs (bladder, bowel)

• Anesthesia-related risks

• Lymphedema (swelling in legs after lymph node removal)

• Fertility loss, especially if reproductive organs are removed

Recovery and Aftercare

• Recovery time depends on the extent of surgery and whether it was open or minimally invasive

• Hospital stay may vary from 1–5 days

• Resume normal activities gradually; avoid lifting, strenuous activity, and sexual intercourse until cleared by your doctor

• Emotional support and counseling may be needed due to the psychological impact, especially after fertility loss

Follow-Up and Further Treatment

After surgery, follow-up may include:

• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy

• Hormonal or targeted therapy

• Regular scans and blood tests

• Pelvic exams and Pap tests (if cervix remains)

Fertility Considerations

Women desiring future fertility should discuss fertility-preserving options like trachelectomy or ovarian preservation before surgery. In some cases, egg or embryo freezing may be an option before treatment begins.

Conclusion

Surgical management is often the foundation of treatment for gynecologic cancers, offering both diagnostic clarity and therapeutic benefit. When performed by a skilled gynecologic oncologist, surgery can be life-saving, improve long-term outcomes, and provide a personalized path toward recovery.