Your care team has worked with you to develop the surgical plan that’s right for you, based on the details of your diagnosis. Your cancer surgeon has worked with you on an approach that is the least invasive and most effective surgery for the type of cancer you have.
Several days before your surgery, you may meet with your anesthesiologist or have a phone consult to discuss your options and preferences for sedation. The anesthesiologist will stand near your head to administer the anesthesia and monitor you before and during surgery. At this meeting, you and the anesthesiologist will:
- Review your medical history
- Discuss any allergies you may have
- Review the plan for anesthesia during your surgery
On the scheduled day, you will come in for your surgery.
Schedule your post-op appointment
Your post-op appointment may take place around 7 to 14 days after your surgery. We will work with you before your surgery to choose a day and time for this visit. During the appointment, you meet with your surgery team to:
- Review the pathology report from your surgery
- Change your dressings, if needed
- Remove staples
- Address any concerns
Additional treatment considerations
Many people need radiation or drug therapy after surgery. The determination about such adjuvant therapy may be made before your surgery, but often is determined after your surgery and the results of your pathology study.
Care teams who specialize in these treatments will work with you to develop your personalized plan. Your therapy typically begins within a few weeks after surgery. The timeline for these treatments is different for every patient. If you are having both types of treatment, they may not take place at the same time.
Time frames for surgery and recovery
The length of time for your surgery, hospital stay, and recovery depends on your individual case. Factors include the type of surgery you have and the details of your diagnosis. Review your unique condition with your doctor to understand expectations.
Gynecologic surgery with lymph node dissection
You may need surgery to remove one or more lymph nodes, depending on the type of cancer you have, the extent of disease, and other specifics. Your surgeon usually does the lymph node surgery at the same time as your main surgery.
Lymph nodes are small glands that filter bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other impurities from the body.
After lymph node dissection and other surgery, a pathologist assesses the lymph node tissues and all removed tissues for cancer. Your doctor will review the findings with you and discuss recommendations for further treatment.
Published April 2018
Stanford Health Care © 2018