The role of prophylactic oophorectomy in the avoidance of ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of prophylactic oophorectomy at elective hysterectomy in the avoidance of ovarian cancer.

METHOD

A survey was performed of all members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and all obstetrician-gynecologists in the State of Connecticut.

RESULT

Seventy-nine percent of gynecologic oncologists and 72% of obstetrician-gynecologists surveyed reported 0-1% of women would be saved from ovarian cancer if one ovary was removed at elective hysterectomy at age 45 years. If both ovaries were removed, 8.4% and 32.1% of these physicians respectively responded that 95-100% of women could be saved from ovarian cancer. Approximately 50% responded that macroscopic appearance and frozen section studies at surgery were helpful in deciding whether to remove ovaries at hysterectomy. A literature review suggested that 12% of ovarian cancers might be avoided if women undergo prophylactic oophorectomy at elective hysterectomy.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of well-designed epidemiologic studies evaluating risk factors for ovarian cancer and the role of prophylactic oophorectomy at elective hysterectomy.