Cytoreductive Surgery For Ovarian Cancer

Surgery is the main form of treatment for ovarian cancer. The goal is to remove the tumor in its entirety, but this may not be possible if the cancer is widespread or the tumor is located near vital structures. In these cases, radical debulking, or cytoreductive surgery, may be considered.

The goal of radical debulking surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible. To achieve optimal surgical cytoreduction of the cancer, a surgeon will aim to leave behind no visible cancer cells or no tumors larger than 1 cm in diameter. Any cancer that remains after surgery is addressed with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted therapy. By reducing the amount of cancer in the body, optimal debulking can enhance the effectiveness of follow-up treatment, leading to a better outcome and quality of life for the patient.