Gynecologic Oncology Surgery
Surgical Excellence with Compassion
At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, our expert gynecologic oncologists specialize in advanced surgical treatments. Whether it’s a minimally invasive robotic procedure or a complex surgery to decrease the size of a tumor, we combine precision with compassion to treat your cancer while protecting what matters most — your health and quality of life.
Leading-Edge Surgery, Personalized for You
When it comes to gynecologic cancer surgery, we believe in care that’s both innovative and deeply personal. Our highly skilled surgeons are experts in a range of advanced techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures. Whenever possible, we use these approaches to minimize incisions, reduce pain, and support faster recovery. With thousands of successful robotic surgeries completed, our team brings unmatched expertise to every procedure.
But we're focused on more than just being at the forefront of scientific innovation — we're also focused on what’s most important to you. Whether you need fertility-sparing or risk-reducing surgery, we tailor each treatment to your unique needs and goals. You also have access to groundbreaking clinical trials through partnerships with leading research groups. And we continue to support you after surgery with services like genetic counseling and cancer rehabilitation — because we know that healing goes beyond the operating room.
Advanced Gynecologic Oncology Surgery
We offer leading-edge gynecologic surgeries that deliver effective cancer treatment with a focus on your overall well-being and quality of life. Surgical options include:
Other gynecologic oncology surgery options
This procedure involves the surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and both ovaries through an abdominal incision. It may be recommended for certain cancers or complex gynecologic conditions. Removing these organs can reduce the risk of cancer, relieve symptoms, and improve long-term health outcomes when less extensive treatment isn’t an option.
For people with cervical dysplasia who wish to preserve fertility, treatment may include a cone biopsy (surgical removal of a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue) or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), which uses a heated wire loop to remove abnormal cells. These targeted approaches remove precancerous tissue while keeping the cervix largely intact to support future pregnancy.
For select patients with early-stage endometrial cancer, fertility-sparing treatment may include hysteroscopy — a procedure that uses a thin, lighted scope to examine the inside of the uterus — and dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove abnormal tissue. This minimally invasive approach preserves the uterus and supports future fertility while carefully managing the disease.
When appropriate, fertility-sparing surgery allows for cancer treatment while preserving the ability to have children. This may include an ovarian cystectomy (removal of a cyst while keeping the ovary), unilateral oophorectomy (removal of one ovary), and lymphadenectomy (removal of nearby lymph nodes to check for spread). This approach balances effective care with future family-building goals.
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic muscles weaken and organs shift out of place. Surgical options like sacral colpopexy and uterosacral ligament plication restore support and relieve symptoms such as pressure, bulging, or urinary issues. These procedures aim to improve comfort, function, and quality of life while minimizing the risk of recurrence.
Myomectomy is the surgical removal of uterine fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. It’s an option for people who want relief from fibroid-related symptoms — such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure — while preserving fertility. Our surgeons use advanced techniques, including minimally invasive approaches, to promote faster recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Ovarian wide local excision is the surgical removal of abnormal or potentially cancerous tissue from the ovary, while preserving as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible. It may be performed to remove cysts, tumors, or other localized growths. This approach can relieve symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and support long-term reproductive and hormonal health.
Pelvic exenteration is the surgical removal of the lower colon, bladder, and rectum. In women, the cervix, vagina, ovaries and surrounding lymph nodes may also be removed.
This procedure is often combined with sentinel lymph node dissection to determine if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. This targeted approach helps guide further treatment while minimizing the removal of healthy nodes, reducing the risk of complications like lymphedema.
This procedure helps determine whether cancer has spread beyond the original tumor. Surgeons identify and remove sentinel lymph nodes — the first nodes likely to harbor cancer cells — from the groin area. If necessary, additional nodes are removed in a full lymphadenectomy. These procedures help guide treatment while aiming to reduce complications and preserve mobility.
Trachelectomy (fertility-sparing surgery) is the surgical removal of the cervix. The surgeon may also remove part of the vagina and nearby lymph nodes. This procedure is designed to treat early-stage cervical cancer while preserving the uterus, offering some patients the possibility of becoming pregnant in the future.
Vaginectomy with reconstruction removes and rebuilds some or all of the vagina, often done to treat vaginal cancer or other gynecologic conditions. The goal of reconstruction is to restore both function and appearance, helping you heal physically while supporting your comfort and confidence moving forward.
What to Expect
Your care team takes time to understand you beyond your diagnosis — learning everything from your physical and emotional needs to your personal goals. This personalized approach is supported by the expertise of our entire gynecologic cancer team. Our specialists collaborate in multidisciplinary tumor boards, where cancer experts come together to review complex cases and share insights.
About a week before surgery, we'll schedule a pre-admission visit to:
- Assist with any remaining pre-surgical lab work or tests
- Review what will happen during your surgery
- Explain potential side effects
- Discuss medications and post-surgery care, including in-home help or equipment if needed
You'll receive information to prepare for your hospital admission. If you have any questions after your pre-admission appointment, you can reach out to your nurse or care coordinator, who will be happy to help.
On the day of your surgery, you will meet with an anesthesiologist, who confirms details of your medical record, clarifies any questions about your medical history, and performs a physical exam.
During this time, you can discuss the plan for your care, express any concerns about potential side effects, and ask any questions that you have about the anesthesia.
The specifics of your surgery are determined by your surgery type and individual needs, but one factor is always consistent – you’re being treated by an expertly trained team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical nurses, and technicians.
The length of your surgery depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, whether reconstruction is being done, and the complexity of the procedure. The care team will inform your loved ones of your progress and provide updates during surgery.
Following surgery, you’ll be moved to recovery where your care team can monitor your vital signs and manage your pain as the anesthesia wears off.
Postoperative care instructions will be provided before being discharged. Instructions could include information about wound care, activity restrictions, and pain management.
For more extensive surgeries, you may be required to stay overnight, or longer, to ensure proper recovery.
Typically, you'll have follow-up appointments after surgery for the first few weeks. This is to monitor your healing and effectively manage the potential for complications. Your follow-up appointment schedule will depend on the type of surgery you have.
As time goes on, we'll see you less frequently, but you'll still come in for regular checkups. During these visits, we manage any ongoing treatments, such as medical or radiation oncology, and monitor for signs of recurrence.
We also offer extensive supportive care services to help you through every treatment stage.
Learn more about our supportive care services.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s natural to feel nervous about surgery, but your care team will talk you through the process, helping you prepare for surgery and answering all your questions well in advance.
As part of your personalized care plan, we offer advanced surgical options tailored to your diagnosis and goals, including minimally invasive procedures, when possible, along with reconstruction if needed. After surgery, we provide detailed recovery instructions and make sure that you have all the ongoing support you need to help you heal with confidence.
Surgery may be all that your care plan requires if your cancer was diagnosed in its early stages and hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.
However, surgery can be accompanied by medical oncology treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy to meet your specific needs and give you the highest likelihood of a successful outcome.
Radiation may also be recommended to help shrink tumors prior to surgery or following surgery to decrease the chance of recurrence.
Your recovery time depends on which type of surgery you have.
You may be in the hospital for one or two days following your surgery, although some procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Some patients can return to their regular activities within a few weeks, while others may take longer.
Before surgery, your care team will walk you through what to expect and provide a detailed recovery plan. This includes guidance for managing pain, any activity restrictions, and information about follow-up visits — so you can make arrangements and feel confident going into surgery.
Treatment timelines vary depending on your diagnosis. Some surgical procedures are done on an outpatient basis. More complex cases may require a hospital stay.
Medical oncology and radiation treatments typically involve multiple treatment sessions over a period of days or weeks. Treatment timelines vary depending on the type and stage of your cancer. Your care team reviews your treatment plan with you, as well as any options that may impact length, frequency and duration of treatment.
Following active treatment, you will see your physician periodically to monitor any signs of recurrence.
Some gynecologic cancer surgeries can affect sexual function, but the impact depends on the type of surgery, the extent of the cancer, and your overall health. We understand how personal and sensitive this is, and your care team will talk openly with you about what to expect. If changes occur, we’ll offer support through medications, therapies, or counseling to help manage any effects and support your sexual and mental health during recovery.
Yes, some gynecologic cancers, such as ovarian and endometrial cancer, can run in families due to inherited gene mutations. Others, like cervical cancer, are often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Talk to your doctor about genetic testing, HPV vaccination or screening if you have concerns — they’re powerful tools for early detection and prevention.
We provide a full range of supportive care services to support you during and after your cancer treatment. Some of these services include:
- Art therapists
- Cancer rehabilitation (onco-physiatry)
- Care coordinators
- Genetic counseling (cancer geneticist)
- Health educators
- Medical massage (edema, lymphedema management)
- Music therapist
- Naturopaths
- Nutritionists
- Oncology nurses
- Social workers
- Speech and language pathology
We can also help with finances, food, transportation, and other challenges for eligible patients through our patient assistance fund.
See the full list of supportive care services.
Note: Some services are provided by local partners and vary based on location. Please contact your clinic for more information.
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