Surgery and recovery

Pre-operative appointment

You will be sent an appointment for an assessment before your surgery. This is to talk about your medical history to make sure that you are fit enough for surgery.

You can read more about having a pre-operative assessment.

Preparing for your surgery

You will be admitted on the day of surgery unless advised otherwise by your team.

You will be sent a letter to confirm the date, the time, and where you need to go on the day of your surgery. It will also include instructions on when to stop eating and drinking (fasting). 

You can read more about having surgery at our hospitals.

You should expect to stay in hospital overnight and possibly up to 5 days depending on the type of surgery you have. 

The ward will provide nightwear and towels but you can bring your own if you prefer. 

We recommend you bring loose clothing and underwear to wear home on the day of discharge.

Please leave any valuables at home.

You can read more about preparing for your stay in hospital and what to pack.

Having surgery

We will give you a surgical gown to change into and ask you to remove all jewellery (wedding bands can be taped) and nail polish.

Your belongings will be taken to the ward where you will be staying. 

There are 2 ways surgery can be carried out. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

Open (laparotomy) surgery 

Open surgery is done under general anaesthetic. A cut (about 10cm long) is made. This procedure is known as a laparotomy.

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery

Keyhole surgery is also done under general anaesthetic. This procedure is known as laparoscopic or keyhole surgery. The surgeon makes 2 or 3 small cuts (about 1 or 2cm long) in, or just below, your belly button. A thin tube with a light and camera on the end (called a laparoscope) is put through the cut to allow the surgeon to see inside your tummy. 

You can read more about having a general anaesthetic.

Recovery after surgery

After surgery you will be in the recovery area to be monitored closely while you wake up from the anaesthetic.

After about 2 hours you will be transferred to the ward. The medical team and ward staff will monitor your recovery until you are ready to be discharged.

Open (laparotomy) surgery: If you had open surgery you can expect to stay in hospital for 3 to 5 days.

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery: If you had keyhole surgery you can usually go home the next day.

Fit note

If you need a fit note, tell the doctor or nurse caring for you before you leave. Getting a fit note in hospital or in clinic means that you don’t have to make an appointment with your GP. 

You can read more about fit notes.

Returning to normal activities

After a general anaesthetic or sedation, your reasoning, reflexes, judgement and coordination can be affected, even though you might feel fine.

For 48 hours after having a general anaesthetic:

Pain

It is important that you take painkillers on a regular basis for the first few days after your surgery. Sometimes we recommend that you take painkillers before your surgery.

Taking painkillers regularly will help to control your pain better. After a few days, you can gradually reduce them until you do not need it any longer.

Always follow the instructions on the packet and never take more than the recommended dose (amount).

Please contact the hospital or your GP if you find the pain difficult to control.

Returning to work

You should stay off work until you have made a complete recovery. It depends on the type of surgery you had and your medical fitness. You could discuss a phased return to work with your employer if required. 

Driving

Do not drive until you feel confident to perform an emergency stop. You should check with your insurance company before driving to make sure you are covered.

Open (laparotomy) surgery 
If you had open surgery you should be well enough to return to work, drive and return to your normal activities after 6 to 8 weeks. 

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery
If you had keyhole surgery you should be well enough to return to work, drive and return to your normal activities after 4 to 6 weeks. 

Follow up treatment

The pathologist (a doctor who specialises in diseases) will then perform tests to form a final diagnosis. 

We will review these test results and send you an appointment to discuss this and what it means.

If you had removal of only one tube and ovary you will have regular follow up with CT scans, blood tests and a clinical examination.

Occasionally, the borderline tumour cells can change to cancerous cells so it is very important that you attend regular follow-up appointments.

Useful information

Cancer Research UK provides more information about borderline tumours and a helpline for support and information. Phone: 0808 800 4040 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Ovacome is the UK ovarian cancer charity providing support and information. Phone: 0800 008 7054

Target Ovarian Cancer provides information and support. Phone: 020 7923 5470  

Dimbleby Cancer Care provides information and support and is based in the Cancer Centre at Guy's. Phone: 020 7188 5918