EndoCa: question about releasing cancer cells

so when my lab results came back suspicious for adenocarcinoma (in my uterus) my Gyn. told me that I would need a TAH and that I would be referred to a Gyn/Onc. When I saw my gyn/onc he told me that I would be able to have a Davinci. My question is: how can he do a davinci with the possibility of cancer? Wouldn't cutting up the uterus spread cancer cells into my abdomen?

I am not an expert on this AT ALL, but I've seen videos of the surgery. In the video I saw, they put the ovary in a plastic bag before they cut it up and then they pulled the bag out of the abdomen. So everything stayed in the bag. I think they follow a similar procedure for the uterus. I'm sure some of the other women here will know more.

hi iowacatlover I watched a video too , sorta, my internet is SO SLOW I must have missed all that. Wow, I had NO idea...thats amazing. Is that for the davinci? I just cant imagine how they get it out through those little holes.
I'm just so scared of the process...I just dont want to risk having any of those cells being able to find a new home.

Hello,

Although I don't know the exact procedure, I do know that you can receive a full cancer staging hysterectomy via Davinci or other laparoscopic method. The top U.S. teaching hospitals/comprehensive cancer centers all do this technique--it does not put you in higher risk of cancer cells spreading.

You could ask the gyn/onc the specifics of how it's done.

Good luck!

I had adenocarcinoma of the cervix and they did my surgery laproscopically... so I know they do it, but I am not sure the exact procedure....

L.
LAVH, Lymph nodes taken (20)/kept Ovaries
Stage 1A2 Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix
Path clear!

bootiebuns -

Your gyn-onc will not cut-up your uterus because that would possibly release cancerous cells.

What most likely will happen is that the cervix is removed as well (since it is part of the uterus) and the entire thing along with any other items they are removing (lymph nodes, ovaries and tubes) via your vagina. This is how mine was removed, that way everything is intact and won't release any cells.



G.

murky, kellbel, taurus- thank you so much for that information. I seriously could not visualize this process at all. It just made sense to me that a TAH would be the safer route. I guess if they can bring it out via the vagina, as one whole unit ,then its all the same. Murky, you are right- I have a pre-op on oct.1 so I will most definitely ask him then.

Inquiring minds want to know!

Hey Julie,
I am glad that you asked that question because I was curious about that as well. I guess if all goes well I will be following along right behind you. They said that they may do my pre-op at my first appt. I hope so because I am ready to get the show on the road. Remind me when your surgery date is so I can say a prayer for you
W.

bootiebuns -

If it doesn't scare you too much you can watch videos of the surgery. There are some here if you look to the upper right where it says resources you can go to Videos.

I watched a couple of them. The ones done by University of North Carolina gyn-onc drs were the most informative for me.



G.

Rest assured, all the parts are removed intact via your vagina. That's one of the things they check for - if your uterus is small enough to be removed that way and if you still have enough vaginal elasticity to be able to do whatever they do to stretch the vagina to get the stuff out (I didn't ask). My medical oncologist for my breast cancer told me that she could not have a DaVinci because she had not had vaginal deliveries (she had C sections). I know the gyn/onc asked me about my deliveries (how many and how - 2 vaginal) and said "that's good". I guess there are a lot of considerations that the gyn oncologist takes into consideration when s/he evaluates whether this procedure is for you or not.

I had DaVinci 12 weeks ago and I sometimes forget I even had a hysterectomy. Oh, I don't forget I have cancer, but I had a very successful surgery and recovery. Hope it goes well for you.

Suzanne