Opportunistic salpingectomy for prevention of tubo-ovarian carcinoma: European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology consensus statement

The fallopian tube epithelium has been demonstrated to be an important source of tubo-ovarian carcinoma. Removal of the fallopian tubes during unrelated pelvic or abdominal surgery (opportunistic salpingectomy) can potentially lower future ovarian cancer risk. A multinational working group for the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology conducted a review of the literature published after 2000, resulting in identification of 129 studies relevant to consensus statement development. Consensus was achieved on the statement that opportunistic salpingectomy is significantly associated with a lower risk of subsequent tubo-ovarian carcinoma, with no adverse short-term impact on ovarian function. The procedure appears safe across surgical approaches, with little additional operative time. The working group concludes that existing evidence demonstrates that opportunistic salpingectomy is associated with a lower riskc of developing tubo-ovarian carcinoma.