Current Updates on Salpingectomy for the Prevention of Ovarian Cancer and Its Practice Patterns Worldwide

Chin Med Sci J. 2017 Sep 27;32(3):185-192. doi: 10.24920/J1001-9294.2017.022.

Abstract

A paradigm shift of the origin of ovarian cancer to fallopian tube has brought more focus on bilateral salpingectomy as a preventive method for ovarian cancer. Bilateral salpingectomy has shown a dramatic reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy has been a long-used practice to prevent ovarian cancer, but it brings surgical menopause and an increased mortality rate to women undergoing such a surgery at the age of <47.5. With the prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy, however, the ovarian function remains unaltered. Recent studies have shown that prophylactic salpingectomy was helpful not only in preventing high-grade serous type ovarian cancer, but also in decreasing adnexal pathologies. With the publication of committee opinion, more practitioners have accepted this proposal, but some are more concerned about its disadvantages. This review illustrates the latest updates on salpingectomy as a preventive method for ovarian cancer, including its advantages and disadvantages, clinicians' opinions, public opinions, so as to find out Obstetricians' and Gynecologists' practice pattern related to opportunistic salpingectomy worldwide.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial / prevention & control*
  • Fallopian Tubes / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Salpingectomy*