Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation
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Overview
Surgery is one of the main treatments for cervical cancer.
The most common type of surgery is a radical hysterectomy, which removed the uterus, cervix and top of the vagina. The type of surgery you have will depend on how far the cancer has spread.
Side effects from surgery may include bladder changes, vaginal changes or fluid build-up (lymphoedema) in the pelvic area.
What's on this page
For some people, surgery may be the only treatment needed. Surgery is usually recommended when the tumour is in the cervix only. The type of surgery you have will depend on how far within the cervix the cancer has spread.
Types of surgery
Cone biopsy
Removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue around the cancer, including a margin of healthy tissue. A cone biopsy is used to treat very early cervical cancers.
Total hysterectomy
Removes the uterus and cervix. It’s used for early cervical cancer. The fallopian tubes are often removed too. If you haven’t gone through menopause, you may be able to keep your ovaries.
Radical hysterectomy
Removes the uterus, cervix and top of the vagina. It’s the usual surgery for cervical cancers. Fallopian tubes are often removed too. You may keep your ovaries if you haven’t gone through menopause.
Bilateral salpingo oophorectomy
Removes both fallopian tubes and ovaries. This may be done during a hysterectomy if there’s a risk the cancer has spread, or if you’ve been through menopause.
Lymph node surgery
Lymph nodes in the pelvis or groin may be removed to check for the spread of cancer. This is called a lymphadenectomy (lymph node dissection).
How the surgery is done
Surgery is done under a general anaesthetic. Research has shown that outcomes are generally better with open surgery (laparotomy). This means that the surgery is performed through a cut in the abdomen. Keyhole surgery (laparoscopy or robotic surgery) may be used for selected cases, usually early cervical cancer.
Side effects
Problems with the bladder
Problems with the bladder
Surgery can affect some of the nerves to the bladder. You may feel that you’re not able to empty your bladder completely or that you’re emptying your bladder very slowly. These problems usually improve with time. You may also leak some urine after surgery (urinary incontinence).
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema
Sometimes removing lymph nodes in the pelvic area can stop or slow the natural flow of lymphatic fluid from the legs. This may cause lymphoedema – a build-up of fluid in the soft tissues under the skin – in the legs or genital area. Lymphoedema may appear during treatment or months or years later.
Learn more about lymphoedema.
Menopause
Menopause
If your ovaries are removed before you’ve gone through menopause, it will cause sudden menopause. This means your periods will stop immediately, and you won’t be able to become pregnant. If you’re finding it difficult to manage menopause symptoms, talk to your doctor about whether menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) might be right for you.
Internal scar tissue (adhesions)
Internal scar tissue (adhesions)
Scar tissue in the pelvis may stick together. Sometimes, these adhesions, particularly those affecting the bowel or bladder, may cause pain or discomfort in the abdomen (belly). Rarely, adhesions may need to be treated with surgery.
Vaginal changes
Vaginal changes
Surgery can shorten the vagina, causing thinning of the walls and dryness. See Vaginal changes from treatment.
Relevant support
National Cervical Screening Program
Australian Government
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