Surgery for GTD
The common surgical procedure for a hydatidiform mole is called a suction D&C (dilation and curettage). During a D&C, the surgeon puts a vacuum-like device through the cervix into the uterus. Then, the surgeon removes or suctions out most of the placental tumor. After that, the surgeon scrapes the lining of the uterus to remove any left over tissue. This type of treatment is only used for hydatidiform moles and placental site trophoblastic tumors.
If you don’t wish to have any more children, you may have a hysterectomy as the initial treatment. Usually, a hysterectomy is the only option for women with placental-site trophoblastic tumors. During a hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. Since most women with this disease are young, the ovaries are left. A hysterectomy usually takes about 1-3 hours to complete. It is typically followed by a 1-3day hospital stay.
Depending on the size of the uterus and tumor, the hysterectomy may be done abdominally. This involves a large belly incision. Or it may be done vaginally or laparoscopically. If it’s done vaginally, the uterus would be removed fully through the vagina. If it’s done laparoscopically it would be removed through several small belly incisions with the use of a camera and other instruments. The best approach will be determined by your gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist.