Surgery for Uterine Cancer

Most patients with uterine, or endometrial, cancer will undergo a hysterectomy, a surgical procedure to remove their uterus.

The thought of undergoing a hysterectomy can be daunting. You may have many questions about safety, risks and recovery.

The Washington University gynecologic oncologists at Siteman perform many hysterectomies every year. They have the depth and breadth of experience to conduct your surgery safely and effectively.

Many hysterectomies at Siteman are conducted minimally-invasively with robotic assistance. This means that the surgeon performs the procedure using robotic arms that are placed inside the body through a number of small incisions. The robotic arms enable the surgeon to operate precisely without making a large incision. Patients who undergo robotic hysterectomies are less likely to experience complications and tend to have a faster recovery time than those who undergo open surgery.

Total hysterectomy

During a total hysterectomy, the surgeons remove the uterus and the cervix. There are a number of ways to do this. Sometimes, the uterus can be taken out through the vaginal canal. If the procedure is being performed laparoscopically or robotically, then the patient will only need several small incisions. Other times, the surgeon will have to make a larger incision in the abdomen to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

The recovery process

Most patients will be discharged home the same day as their surgery for uterine cancer. If a patient underwent an open procedure, they will be admitted to the hospital for several days. Following discharge, your recovery time will depend on the type of surgical procedure your surgeon conducted. Patients who undergo laparoscopic or minimally-invasive procedures typically recover more quickly than patients who undergo more traditional, open procedures. Your surgeon will choose the best approach for you, your body, and your condition.