Ovarian Cancer Treatments

Minimally-Invasive Surgery for Early Ovarian Cancer

In the MIGS Division, this procedure includes exploratory laparoscopy, peritoneal washing, multiple peritoneal biopsies, omentectomy, hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy.
Farr R. Nezhat, MD, FACS, was lead author on a recent comprehensive study of minimally-invasive surgical treatment for early cancers of the ovary and fallopian tube. The study was published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is one of the largest and longest in duration of follow-up time to date. It strengthens the evidence that minimally-invasive staging of these cancers does not compromise survival when performed by gynecologic oncologists experienced in advanced laparoscopy.

Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Early Ovarian Cancer

In young women diagnosed with early ovarian cancer that is confined to one ovary, fertility-sparing surgery can be performed. As with the procedure above, this surgery includes exploratory laparoscopy, peritoneal washing , multiple peritoneal biopsies, omentectomy, and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, such that a rigorous biopsy of the abdominal and pelvic cavity is performed. However, when only one ovary is diseased and continued fertility is desired, we remove only the diseased fallopian tube and ovary, retaining the uterus, healthy ovary, and healthy fallopian tube. Usually, the procedure allows pregnancy to occur in women who were fertile before the surgery.

This video describes treatment of early ovarian cancer for a woman who is planning to have children in the future. Note the care the team used to diagnose the cancer and any other problems before surgery. In addition, note the thorough surgical process, attempting to remove any actual or potential cancer, and also, treating the endometriosis that could affect fertility.

Certain Advanced Ovarian Cancers

Laparoscopy has been shown very effective for evaluation and treatment of patients with certain advanced ovarian cancers. A combination of radical surgery and chemotherapy is indicated, and very few physicians have the extensive experience of Farr Nezhat, MD, who has pioneered the treatment of these patients.

Surgical treatment includes radical tumor debulking, including hysterectomy, salpingoophorectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, omentectomy, possible resections of bowel, liver, and occaisionally, splenectomy.

Resection and Removal of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

When ovarian cancer has recurred in the abdomen or pelvis, this technique is being utilized to remove the cancer, and possibly, any involved organs.