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.


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


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of well-designed epidemiologic studies evaluating risk factors for ovarian cancer and the role of prophylactic oophorectomy at elective hysterectomy.
Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New Haven, CT 06510.
P E
PE
Schwartz
D000368:Aged; D003237:Connecticut; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D008495:Medical Oncology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010052:Ovariectomy; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors