Washing

[Carolelynn]

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!

[Hidden]

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.

[Hidden]

Meant to add it is done during surgery

[Shellygirl]

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

[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]

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

Thanks

[Hidden]

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 in reply to Hidden]

I never heard that but really don't know🤔

[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 in reply to Lily-Anne]

How about a bed and not my belly!

[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 in reply to Cropcrop]

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

[OvacomeSupport Partner My 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 in reply to OvacomeSupport]

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

[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