Ovarian Cancer - Surgery

Treating Menopausal Symptoms and Premature Menopause after Hysterectomy. After hysterectomy, premenopausal women usually experience hot flashes, a symptom of menopause. Symptoms come on abruptly and may be more intense than those of natural menopause. Symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness and irritation, and insomnia. A significant number of women gain weight.

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The most important complications that occur in women who have had their ovaries removed are due to estrogen loss, which places women at risk for osteoporosis (loss of bone density) and a possible increase in risks for heart disease. Women have typically taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after surgery if their ovaries have been removed. There have been concerns however about health risks, including the risk for breast cancer and stroke, that have now limited its use. Such risks in premenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy have not yet been clarified. Fortunately, a number of nonhormonal agents that can help protect both bones and heart are available.

Second-Look Laparotomy

After chemotherapy has been completed, surgeons used to perform an exploratory procedure called second-look laparotomy. Although this procedure is the most sensitive way of detecting residual cancer that remains after chemotherapy, it has no proven impact on patient survival. Its use is presently restricted to patients being treated in clinical trials.