Precision Diagnostics and Staging
1. Specialized Oncology Consultation
Because ovarian cancer often spreads within the abdominal cavity, precise staging and a customized surgical plan are absolutely vital.
Your Consultation in Istanbul:
- Advanced Imaging: Utilizing PET-CT and high-resolution MRI to map the extent of the disease across the pelvic and abdominal organs.
- Multidisciplinary Tumor Board: Your case is reviewed by gynecologic oncologists, general surgeons, and medical oncologists to define the optimal sequence of surgery and chemotherapy.
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Discussing whether initial chemotherapy is needed to shrink the tumors before attempting surgical removal.
Maximal Tumor Removal
2. Surgical Excellence in Cytoreduction
The primary goal of ovarian cancer surgery is ‘optimal debulking’โremoving all visible signs of cancer from the abdomen.
Advanced Surgical Approaches:
- Primary Cytoreductive Surgery: Removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, omentum, and any other affected tissues (which may include portions of the bowel or spleen) to ensure no visible tumor remains.
- HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy): In selected cases, highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy is circulated directly into the abdominal cavity immediately after the tumors are removed to destroy microscopic cancer cells.
- Fertility-Sparing Surgery: For very early-stage disease in younger women, it may be possible to remove only the affected ovary and fallopian tube, preserving the ability to have children.
Healing the Body and Mind
3. Holistic Recovery and Support
Recovering from extensive cytoreductive surgery is a significant journey that requires dedicated, specialized medical and emotional support.
Recovery Milestones:
- ICU Monitoring: You may spend the first 1-2 days in the Intensive Care Unit for close monitoring of your fluid balance and vital signs.
- Nutritional & Pain Management: Advanced pain control protocols and specialized dietary planning are utilized to ensure you can begin gentle mobility early and regain your strength.
- Emotional Support: A cancer diagnosis and major surgery can be emotionally taxing. We provide access to psychological support services to aid your holistic recovery.
Our team provides comprehensive guidance and coordinates your ongoing oncology treatments (such as adjuvant chemotherapy) before your return home.