• Ka Yu Tse, Mandy Man Yee Chu, Jessie Wan Kam Chiu, Shuk Tak Kwok, Michael G Irwin, Aaron Hey Yin Chan, Polly Ho, Calvin Pak Wing Cheng, NguSiew FeiSF0000-0001-9314-5468Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR., and ChanKaren Kar LoenKKL0000-0002-4034-7469Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR..
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
• Anaesthesia. 2025 Feb 1; 80 Suppl 2 (Suppl 2): 106114106-114.

IntroductionPatients with advanced ovarian cancer often require radical cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy, with or without targeted therapy. Return to intended oncological therapy after surgery is a crucial metric, as delay can worsen survival. The concept of return to intended oncological therapy is important because it highlights the need for not just successful surgical outcomes, but also the ability to continue with the comprehensive cancer treatment plan.MethodsA comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant English language studies published from January 2010 to September 2024.ResultsDelayed return to intended oncological therapy after surgery was associated with poor survival outcomes in ovarian cancer. This narrative review investigates how pre-operative counselling and education; optimisation of the patient's medical condition; meticulous surgical planning and execution; early recognition of complications; and comprehensive postoperative care influence return to intended therapy in gynaecological surgery. Effective multidisciplinary care involving anaesthetists; nurses; physiotherapists; dietitians; psychologists; and the patient's relatives or friends, can prevent complications and ensure timely return to intended oncological therapy.DiscussionAwareness and management of factors affecting return to intended oncological therapy are essential for improving outcomes in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. We highlight the importance of multidisciplinary care (including enhanced recovery after surgery programmes) and the factors affecting these including age; nutrition; and occurrence of postoperative complications.© 2025 The Author(s). Anaesthesia published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association of Anaesthetists.

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