Authors: Martin Pölcher Steffen Hauptmann Christina Fotopoulou Barbara Schmalfeldt Ivo MeinholdHeerlein Alexander Mustea Ingo Runnebaum Jalid Sehouli
Publish Date: 2015/04/26
Volume: 292, Issue: 1, Pages: 231-234
Abstract
The detection of premalignant cells in the epithelium of the fallopian tube has resulted in revolutionary theories regarding the origin of epithelial ovarian cancer EOC Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas STIC have been detected in patients with BRCA 1 or 2 mutations and are considered as the most likely precursors of the highgrade serous ovarian cancer HGSOC which is the most common histological subtype in patients with EOC A bilateral salpingooophorectomy is associated with a significant reduction in risk of developing EOC According to various national guidelines prophylactic bilateral salpingooophorectomy should be performed in the age group 40–45 years As in patients with BRCA mutations the prophylactic removal of the fallopian tubes is also performed in women without an increased genetic risk for example in surgical treatments of benign conditions There is a current debate as to whether prophylactic or socalled opportunistic salpingectomy will influence the overall incidence of EOC in the coming years Opponents of this theory warn of a higher surgical morbidity and the higher risk of a premature menopause through impaired vascular supply to the ovaries The value of opportunistic salpingectomies has not yet been clarified since there are currently no systematic risk–benefit evaluations This review will attempt to give an overview of the current body of evidence regarding the risks and benefits of opportunistic salpingectomies
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