Washing: Is anyone familiar with washing. It's... - My Ovacome

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Washing

Carolelynn profile image
14 Replies

Is anyone familiar with washing. It's something done prior to or after surgery ? I believe I did have it during my radial hysterectomy and debulking!

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Carolelynn profile image
Carolelynn
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14 Replies

I may be wrong, but my understanding of washings is that the area around ovaries/ tubes peritoneum is filled with fluid then drained and sent to pathology.

Meant to add it is done during surgery

Microbabe profile image
Microbabe

I think the same as puddle but also thought they washout abdominal area too to check for stray cancer cells

Carolelynn profile image
Carolelynn

Yes, think I was also correct. I remember about first round I was told to turn a little so chemo would go all over area!

Carolelynn profile image
Carolelynn

Yes, you are right! Try to forget some of this but now I remember.

Thanks

I had a different idea, I thought it was the way the bowel is taken out and washed clear of any slimy stuff maybe cells and replaced,

Carolelynn profile image
Carolelynn in reply to

I never heard that but really don't know🤔

Lily-Anne profile image
Lily-Anne

I was told washings was to look for cancer cells in the abdomen as it's a cozy place for them to snuggle down.

LA xx

Carolelynn profile image
Carolelynn in reply toLily-Anne

How about a bed and not my belly!

Cropcrop profile image
Cropcrop

I had an abdominal wash before and after surgery to check for stray cells, my tumour ruptured during removal. Not sure if that's standard practice but believe it is done to ensure the fluids are clear ❤xx Jane

Carolelynn profile image
Carolelynn in reply toCropcrop

Thank you all for many answers to my question. Hope I never need one again!

OvacomeSupport profile image
OvacomeSupportPartnerMy Ovacome Team

Hello all

Abdominal washing, also called peritoneal washing, is performed during your surgery. The surgeon will introduce some sterile liquid (such as saline) into your abdominal cavity, which contains your stomach, bowel and other organs (including those being operated on - your ovaries, womb and fallopian tubes).

The liquid is then removed and sent for analysis to see if there are any cancer cells present. This can assist the teams with staging and treatment planning.

I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you need any further information.

Best wishes

Anna

Support Service Manager

Carolelynn profile image
Carolelynn in reply toOvacomeSupport

Really did know that but a friend mentioned it to me and I wanted to be sure of what I was saying.

Emsymits profile image
Emsymits

Hi. It's done to your abdominal cavity. Basically after they have to put it crudely 'opened you up' they wash out the cavity with what I assume is sterile water. This is then checked for dodgy looking cells. I asked my oncologist who said my cells from washing were 'suspicious' but not actually cancerous. He said it was a bit academic as they found it elsewhere. They use it as an indicator to see what's going on.

Hope this helps,

E

X

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