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.
Schwartz
P E
PE
Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New Haven, CT 06510.
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