Risk-Reducing Salpingectomy with Benign Hysterectomy and Permanent Sterilization: A Survey of Obstetrician–Gynecologists

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this research was to determine the willingness among obstetrician–gynecologists to offer risk-reducing salpingectomy at the time of benign hysterectomy or permanent sterilization. Materials and Methods: A voluntary and anonymous survey survey was administered to obstetrician–gynecologists at an urban academic and affiliated community hospital in 2012. The survey assessed provider demographics and knowledge about ovarian cancer prevention. Providers were then given a brief summary of the emerging data that ovarian cancer may emerge from Fallopian tubes and were surveyed on willingness to offer risk-reducing salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy or permanent sterilization to patients who would otherwise undergo ovarian conservation. Results: Ninety-one providers completed the survey (75% response rate). Significantly more physicians were willing to offer risk-reducing salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy rather than at the time of permanent sterilization (96% versus 56%, p<0.05). Willingness to offer salpingectomy at the time of permanent sterilization was associated with younger provider age and greater provider surgical experience. Conclusions: Obstetrician–gynecologists will offer risk-reducing salpingectomy at the time of benign hysterectomy in women who elect ovarian conservation. However, providers are less willing to offer risk-reducing salpingectomy at the time of permanent sterilization and the physician's age and level of surgical experience affects the likelihood of recommending this intervention. (J GYNECOL SURG 30:285)