Check for diabetes

 Look for High Blood Sugar Before Surgery

Study Reference: Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey | Systematic Review

The Bottom Line

Many women undergo gynaecologic cancer surgery with unmanaged high blood sugar, diabetes, or prediabetes. Up to half of people with diabetes don't know they have it. This comprehensive review highlights that an elevated HbA1c (a marker showing average blood glucose over the previous three months) before surgery directly increases the risk of surgical site infections, wound breakdown, delayed healing, and shorter overall survival for ovarian cancer patients. Additionally, peri-operative high blood glucose is directly linked to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Screening and managing blood sugar before surgery is vital to improve surgical recovery and safety.

Key Findings 

  • The Hidden Risk: Around 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes, and roughly 50% of people with type 2 diabetes remain undiagnosed. Many patients enter major cancer surgery with unrecognised high blood sugar.

  • Higher Clotting Risk (DVT): Day-of-surgery blood sugar spikes are specifically correlated with an increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in ovarian cancer cohorts.

  • Poorer Surgical Recovery: Uncontrolled HbA1c levels directly correlate with higher rates of wound infection, delayed tissue healing, and surgical wound separation.

  • Survival Impact: An HbA1c of 7% or more is linked to worse recurrence-free and overall survival outcomes in ovarian cancer patients, largely due to surgical complications delaying post-operative chemotherapy.

What This Means for Ovarian Cancer Support Nurses

Clinical AreaPractical Action for Support Lines
Pre-Op Screening QuestionsAsk pre-surgical callers if an HbA1c or fasting glucose test was included in their pre-assessment labs, especially if they have metabolic risk factors.
DVT Symptom AwarenessEnsure post-op callers with known high blood sugar or diabetes are educated on leg swelling, warmth, or pain, given their elevated DVT risk.
Addressing Caller AnxietyReassure patients that stabilising blood sugar before surgery is a routine way to reduce the risk of clots and infections.

Quick Tags:

#GynecologicSurgery #PreoperativeCare #DiabetesInOncology #HbA1c #DVT #SurgicalOutcomes #SupportNursing

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