ABSTRACT
Surgical planning for the patient with a gynecologic malignancy begins with a detailed assessment of perioperative risk determined by pre-existing medical comorbidities. Reducing perioperative-associated complications and improving outcomes remains a prudent goal in procedural preparation. Additional considerations in surgical planning include discussions with the patient regarding postoperative expectations, the need for blood products, the need for subsequent additional therapy including surgical procedures or chemotherapy, the possibility for ostomy or placement of other tubes and/or catheters, potential changes in sexual function, and the effect of the procedure on quality of life. The more informed a patient can be regarding expectations surrounding surgical management, the more likely they are to make sound judgment regarding therapy and to be satisfied with their overall care.
