This information was developed in consultation with leading Canadian gynecological oncologists and reviewed by Alicia Tone, PhD.

Surgery is often the first step in treating most endometrial cancers.

Surgical options can sometimes be adjusted based on age, health, and personal wishes:

  • For some younger patients with precancer or early-stage cancer, the ovaries may be left in place to prevent early menopause. This can slightly increase the chance of the cancer returning, but it does not raise the risk of dying from the disease.
  • For people who still wish to have children, surgery may be postponed, and other treatments may be used first e.g., hormonal therapy (progesterone), to treat the cancer.
  • If surgery isn’t safe because of other health conditions, treatments such as radiation may be recommended instead.

Who performs surgery for endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer surgery should be done by a gynecologic surgeon.

Often a gynecologic oncologist will decide if lymph node testing or more complex surgery is needed. A gynecologic oncologist is a specialist doctor with advanced training in both women’s reproductive health, cancer surgery, and systemic therapies.

How is surgery for endometrial cancer done?

Surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques (such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery) or through an open incision in the abdomen (known as a laparotomy).

In most cases, the surgeon removes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This is called a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The surgeon may also remove lymph nodes in the pelvis or near the aorta to see if the cancer has spread. Sometimes, other tissue samples, like a small piece of the omentum (a fatty layer in the upper abdomen), are taken to check for signs of spread. All the samples taken are reviewed closely under the microscope by the pathologist.

What happens after endometrial cancer surgery?

After surgery with the report from the pathologist, the doctor or nurse will explain what was removed and provide key details about the cancer, including its type, stage, grade, and molecular classification. Based on these results, additional treatments can be suggested.

For many patients, no further treatment is required after surgery because the cancer is detected at an early stage, when the likelihood of recurrence is low.

Resource guide

Self care after surgery

It is important to be gentle with yourself following surgery for ovarian cancer. Here are some activities that might help you to feel better, and some activities that you may want to avoid.

Link

Video

Managing the Side Effects of Treatment

Treatment for ovarian cancer is associated with a range of side effects. Learn about common side effects and importantly, find out how you can effectively treat and reduce them.

Link

What is the recovery time for endometrial cancer surgery?

Overall recovery from surgery depends on several factors such as the person’s overall health before surgery, the extent and complexity of the procedure, and rest during recovery.

If the surgery can be done laparoscopically or robotically, recovery generally takes about 4 weeks, and most patients are able to return home the same day or within a few days after surgery.

If the surgery is done with an open incision (laparotomy) recovery generally takes about 6–8 weeks, and most patients are able to return home within a few days after surgery.

Common experiences after surgery may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Vaginal spotting or discharge
  • Urinary urgency
  • Mild constipation
  • Incisional discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Pain or swelling

Changes that may prolong your hospital stay and should be reported to the healthcare team if you are at home include:

  • Swelling in one leg
  • Fever, chills, or general unwellness
  • Persistent vomiting or inability to keep food down
  • Inability to have a bowel movement
  • Redness or severe pain around the incision, with or without discharge
  • Increased feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression

Anyone experiencing these side effects should contact their healthcare team promptly.