Omentum

Hello, I'm having a radical hysterectomy next Thursday, including removal of my omentum. Has anyone had this operation? Does anyone know what having my omentum removed will mean to me? I'm terrified by it all, by the way, thanks. x

[Seren18]

My daughter had her Omentum removed during her hysterectomy because according to the consultant OC likes to go there, I don't think you will miss it at all. It is all very scary but once you get on with it things start to improve. Gillx

[Hidden]

Fear not - it is usual to remove it because it is like a curtain of material that surrounds the organs of the abdomen, and because it is rather like padding, it can contain small cancer cells that are hard to identify.

Mine was removed, and I can't say I've ever noticed, during the following 5 years.

The good thing about radical hysterectomy is that none of the removed bits are essential to our life afterwards. It's not as bad as you might imagine. Just be sure to have plenty of rest afterwards, and be prepared for the menopause if you haven't been through it.

Very best wishes,

Isadora.

[Hidden]

I think that most of the ladies on this site has had their ommentum removed (including myself) the ommentum is an apron of fat that protects your organs, to be honest you won't notice it gone, although they don't actually take it all out (because they can't )

I had a recurrence with tumours on the ommentum I remarked to my oncologist that I thought I had it out ...he then said they don't take it all out.

Love x G x

[Izzystep]

You are bound to be terrified, but this emotion is natural.

The ladies here are correct. It's like a cover for the stomach and doesn't do anything. You won't miss it, I don't miss mine.

All the best with the op. Have plenty of rest afterwards and take it easy.

Love n hugs Izzystep xx

[Hidden]

Thank you so much for the lovely replies, they really help. Kat xx

[Zannah]

I can't really add anything to what has already been said other than to say take peppermint oil or tea into hospital with you it really helps to ease the pain from the trapped wind caused by the surgery! Wishing you all the best for your surgery.

Love

Zanna

[wendydee]

Hi Kat

I also had mine removed. If you have a look on ovacome.org.uk there are a lot of fact sheets under the 'resources' heading. They explain all about the bits involved and lots of other facts too. There is also a helpline number where you can ring and get reassurance and expert advice from nurses. They are so understanding and lovely to talk to. Don't worry about the op. Once you get on with the process, it will all be much more reassuring. It's the waiting that's hard. You'll need to really take things easy for about six weeks after your op, but it's a good chance tot priest and recover. Have a look on an American website called Hystersisters. It gives loads of info about preparing for and recovering from, a hysterectomy.

Good luck with it all. It wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be and I recovered quite quickly.

Love Wendy xx

[francescahannah]

Yes I had this operation in 2004. I was terrified too! In fact it all went smoothly and I was a week recovering in hospital. The scar healed well and within a few Weeks I was feeling pretty well. The omentum is a layer of flesh that cushions your organs in the abdomen. We can do without it and the only effect is that I can feel my bowels working in a way that I couldn't before. I hope it all goes well for you

Hugs Francesca x

[MarieH23]

Good luck for Thursday m x

[Heidihoo13]

Hi Kat, I had this operation five weeks ago, and like you felt really apprehensive, the worry of the unknown. Guess what I was fine well looked after, my consultant was very happy with the way the operation went, the omentium like the other ladies have said is a layer of fatty tissue that covers your tummy. I haven't noticed, anything different, go with your teams guidance and ask questions, they will give answers the best of luck and make sure you rest afterwards. I am feeling really well, I go back for my histology results this Tuesday, more unknown territory!! this is the next stage, and I have confidence in the dr's looking after me so onwards and upwards!! Xx

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Katlan

I had a radical hysterectomy 7 years ago with removal of the omentum tho as others have mentioned it doesn't all go. I was petrified but now I don't know what I was scared off. I was out of hospital and home within 4 days. You will need to rest and not do certain things for a few weeks, like lifting anything, including filling a kettle, hoovering (what a shame someone else will have to do it!) and ironing etc. All in all it wasnt anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be and hopefully you'll see what I mean once its all over. wishing you all the very best xx

[murdina]

If 'Operation' has not been explained to you this is a serious failing with the 'Surgical Team' and the 'Oncology Team' who are looking after you. The Omentum is the Scaffolding that holds the Bowels in Place, don't understand why surgeons would be removing 'Omentum' considered to be 'Major Surgery' you need to be informed fully of the consequences of this surgery, and if the Cancer has Metazised into other Organs. Wish you all the Best, please ask important questions as you have 'Rights' under the 'Human Rights Act 1998' Patients under NHS have the 'Right' to access your Health Care Records under the 'Access to Health Care Records' Act 1990. Read what the CT Scan results have diagnosed and if you are uncertain about the Surgery, have the 'Right' to ask for a second opinion. Good Luck X

[Hidden]

Thanks for all the lovely supportive replies. Murdina - I have every faith in my gynae/oncologist, who has explained everything, my brain is like cotton wool though and I'm sure everyone understands that! I asked the question of the ladies on here as I wanted first hand experience from those who'd had their omentum removed. Much as the surgeon could explain it, he could never have actual experience. My friend told me this week that she had heard that some weight loss surgery also includes removal of this fatty layer, as removal can help to stop you storing so much fat. I can only live in hope.......Kat xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Kat...Just sending you my best wishes for Thursday... you will be in my thoughts and prayers (so that your anxiety disappears) like we have all said this is standard practice and I am pleased to hear that you trust your medical team best wishes love x G x

[Willies]

I had a debulking operation 5 yrs ago that removed all my female organs including my omentum and a prt of my colon. I am fine now although I admit the surgery kept me down for a while. It is a difficult operation but keep thinking you will be good after, and you do not need the omentum to have a normal life. Best to you.

[thesilent1]

hi Katlan, I had my momentum removed in June 13 as part of my surgery. I think you will find a lot of the ladies on this site Weill have had this too. as I understand it, it is a layer of fat, which in my case had ovariasn cancer seedlings attached to it. Better off without it as far as I a m concerned. the scar runs vertically as opposed to bikini line in my case. wishing you all the best for Thursday. Ann

[Hidden]

I feel I must back Millie up on this, and endorse her comments.

Love x G x

[citrine]

I had mine removed and it is the usual practice with OC as the cancer tends to travel there. I can't say I've ever missed it.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Love Mary xx

[Hidden]

another omentum-less woman checking in! I believe it's routine to remove it if you're having this sort of surgery. (I also had uterus, both tubes and both ovaries out, as I expcet did most people here, but thankfully no other surgery -- Fingers crossed!)

It's not any sort of scaffolding and nothing will fall down without it!

I wish I could say I was slimmer without but but sadly not!

The post above makes the important point that the scar for this sort of surgery runs vertically, from your pubic hair upwards (you could ask your surgeon how far up s/he plans to go).

My big tip for the immediate post op period is to stock up on some baggy, high waisted granny knickers! Your tummy will be swollen for a while and I found I needed to wear much bigger knickers than usual to be comfortable!

[citrine]

I totally agree. I would be very surprised if the omentum wasn't removed. xx

[Hidden]

I was diagnosed 2007 stage 2a my momentum wasn't removed as when I had surgery did not see any obvious sign of cancer!

Didn't take things further as once diagnosed didn't see the point of putting myself through the stress of complaining when it would make know difference to me.

The docs said it would not have made any difference to the outcome. Who knows? I am still here

[Aurelie]

Hi Katlan - just like you, I was absolutely terrified at the prospect of having an op; both ovaries, tubes, uterus, cervix and omentum were removed. The good news is - it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be and I made a good recovery. The worst thing, as someone mentioned in a previous post, was trapped wind, but I was offered peppermint water, which helped a lot and also took in my own peppermint tea bags. Best of luck for Thursday x

[jennybutler]

Hi Katian, Lots of us have had our omentums removed never heard of it before, Don't miss it and our type of cancers nearly always go there so best removed. Don't worry you miss it.

Love Jenny xxx

[Eleni]

Hi Katlan

Not really much else to add other than the many wise words that have already been posted. The omentum is, as everyone has told you, the fatty apron that covers all the internal organs and it is where the cancer can 'seed' itself and hence spread from. It is therefore entirely normal that some of it at least be removed. You won't notice it's absence. Good luck with the surgery and take it easy when you get home! Good luck. Eleni

[ScottishMisty]

Katlan , You have had some mixed messages here but majority are as positive as possible. I too had everything taken out in 2009 including omentum. In surgery 5hrs,yet lo and behold physio at my bedside next morning getting me up sitting in chair! My poor daughter got shock when she popped in and there was mother propped up reading the paper! A wee warning in that you will likely have a catheter in for few days but to be honest I found it helped with not having to worry about asking for bedpan. I also have vertical scar from breasts to pubic bone with a kink around my belly button but can't really see it now. Do take it easy afterwards tho I did go for very short walks every day - like 20yds or so to start with. Wishing you well for op day

[someoneingourock]

Hi I had the surgery one year ago, it removed all of the cancer, I was stage 3 and had only a few months of life left, but now cancer free, but needing further surgery, please don't be worried its all fine and no problem at all living without ntum (tummy lining), makes no difference to your life at all. Please take strength

[drdu]

I agree with the other comments. I had omentum removed, and hysterectomy and oophorectomy (removal of ovaries). It is standard practice, and no problem whatsoever, really. I was glad I was able to have surgery to remove the cancer. You will be fine, don't worry. It is totally understandable to worry, though. I did too, and I am retired GP.

Love,

Eileen xx

[Hidden]

Thanks again for all the really lovely supportive posts. Kat xx

[Optimistic11]

I'm a little slow to respond! I'm 6 weeks out from TAH, plus the omentum and appendectomy. Don't miss either!! Have ov cancer stage 1 and they found a tumor on the appendex. I'm 60 and returned to work yesterday. No problems!! You'll do fine!

[Hidden]

All done now, two weeks wait for results.

[someoneingourock]

I had surgery a year ago and the omentum was removed as it was cancerous when the radical hysterectomy was surgical removed. Having omentum removed will not have effect on you, but you must take care not to do any heavy lifting or things like hoovering and bending ect for a long time after the surgery. Your surgical team will go through everything for you and give you written information and phone numbers, use them. This surgery was easier than other I had in the past. My surgery was in Glasgow and before having the anesthetic I was given an epidural. Two lines into my lower spine, this stayed in for two days and was used for pain relief. I had never heard of that before then, thought it was only for girls having babies, but it worked beautifully, so if offered take it. I was terrified to have the surgery but not much choice either that or slowly die, but everything went so well and the outcome outstanding, so please take strength and I will with you throughout, holding your hand metaforically

[Hidden]

I'm a week post OP and doing very well. I went for a walk today and it was lovely as the sun was shining. I was so warm I had to undo my coat! I'm just finding it a bit hard to sleep as I can't get comfy. Still early days though. Kat xx

[Woody64]

Is the omentum the same as the fat pack which is what I have been told mine is in does anyone know?

Sue

[Hidden]

It's the fatty layer that lies under your skin and covers your abdominal organs. They remove it because ovarian cancer can spread there. Apparently you can manage perfectly well without it, and I am happy to report that I feel no different without mine. Kat xx

[Samjane]

Hi, I l i ke you Re having the same op in two weeks. I too was terrified but since posting my concerns on here, ive had some wo derful and positive comme ts, I feel more settled. They are a wonderful set of ladies on here so dont be afraid to ask anything.

Take care

Sam xx

[Sybilm7]

I'm due to have my omentum removed. I'm very worried about on going side effects of living without it. Has any one experienced difficulties going forward after the removal please?

[Yorkiepudd in reply to Sybilm7]

Please don’t worry. I think most if not all on here will all say the same; that you don’t feel any different for it not being there. X

[Sybilm7 in reply to Yorkiepudd]

Thank you. It's good to hear. I read the omentum supported your immune system, so became a bit concerned. Thank you for replying. X

[RandomHouse in reply to Sybilm7]

I too am waiting for this surgery and have read some pretty worrying reports about ongoing side effects of removing the omentum. Does anyone have experience of lymphodeama in their belly afterwards??Nerve damage?? Weight gain??Sorry, but am really worried about it xx