Surgical Treatment Options for Endometrial Cancer

Surgery is the main treatment for endometrial cancer. At Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, our Gynecologic-Oncology Program leads the way in developing and advancing innovative and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our focus on minimally invasive techniques ensures that patients benefit from procedures that result in smaller incisions, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Surgery often involves removing the uterus through a procedure known as a hysterectomy. Below are different types of hysterectomies that are commonly performed for patients with endometrial cancer:

• Total hysterectomy: This involves the complete removal of the uterus, including the cervix.
• Radical hysterectomy: In this procedure, the entire uterus, part of the vagina and surrounding tissue area are removed. The removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes or nearby lymph nodes may also be necessary. Laparoscopic or robotic surgery techniques may be utilized for both radical and total hysterectomy.
• Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: This surgical procedure entails the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy: This is a less invasive surgical option for removing the uterus in women. Unlike a traditional hysterectomy, which involves a larger abdominal incision, the laparoscopic hysterectomy uses small incisions. This procedure uses a laparoscope, a slender tube with a camera, and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions near the navel. The benefits of a laparoscopic hysterectomy include a faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay.
• Robotic hysterectomy: Robotic hysterectomy uses high-definition 3D magnification, robotic technology, and tiny instruments to enhance the skills of gynecologic oncologists during minimally invasive procedures. This approach facilitates the removal of the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues more effectively, potentially leading to shorter recovery times for patients.

Learn more about our surgical treatment options, including what to expect before and after surgery, as well as all of our treatment options, including those that are non-surgical.

Before Surgery

It's important to plan ahead. Arrange for someone to accompany you to and from the procedure. You'll need help with tasks like grocery shopping, cleaning, and laundry after surgery, so having support is key. To prepare, focus on eating healthy, with protein rich meals and less processed foods. Regular exercise, limited alcohol, and quitting smoking are also crucial steps. Your care team will give you detailed instructions tailored to your surgery preparation needs.

Before your surgery, you will have an appointment scheduled at the Roberta and Stephen R. Weiner Center for Preoperative Evaluation or a preoperative phone assessment, depending on your doctor's instructions. During this appointment, you will meet with a nurse practitioner who will review your medical history and the medications you are currently taking. You may also undergo lab tests and have an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart health. This assessment helps us ensure that you are medically prepared for your upcoming surgery.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of your surgery, our staff will greet you and make sure you're comfortable and well-informed. Our skilled gynecologic oncologists will carefully remove the cancerous tissue while trying to keep healthy tissue intact. The surgery usually takes a few hours, depending on the type of surgery needed, and our team will closely watch over you to make sure you're safe and comfortable.

After your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will monitor your vital signs as you wake up from anesthesia. The length of stay at the hospital will depend on your type of surgery, for instance, some patients go home the same day (minimally invasive surgery), while others stay in the hospital for a few days. Typically, patients tend to stay 2 to 4 days for an abdominal hysterectomy and radical hysterectomy, and 0 to 1 days for a laparoscopic procedure. Our nurses and pain management specialists will work to keep you as comfortable as possible during your recovery.

We'll give you detailed instructions on how to take care of yourself after surgery, including when to take medications and how to care for your incisions. Our goal is to make sure you have a smooth recovery and can get back to your normal activities soon.

Learn more about a typical hospital stay and returning home.

After Surgery

Your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you had and your overall health. After endometrial cancer surgery, most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks, but full recovery can take around six weeks’ time. Taking care of yourself at home is crucial during this time. If you live alone, consider having another adult stay with you on your first night after discharge or arranging to stay with family or friends.

Contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you experience any of the following symptoms: increased bleeding, swelling, redness, pus, or drainage from the wound, a fever over 100.4°F, swelling in your limbs, sudden and severe pain, pain or burning when urinating, nausea or vomiting for 12 hours or more, or trouble breathing, walking or performing activities you could do before the surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatments

If you are not eligible for surgery, our team will work with you on non-surgical treatment options, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and clinical trials, in addition to treatments for any symptoms you may have. Your care team will work to control the spread of your cancer and manage your symptoms.

Learn more about non-surgical treatment options for endometrial cancer.