Debunking the Controversial Study on Ovarian Cancer Risk Reduction

A substantial collection of evidence indicates that the fallopian tube serves as the primary site of origin for a large portion of high-grade serous ovarian cancers. As a result, clinical practice guidelines (including from the ACOG) recommend salpingectomy for permanent contraception- when necessary- rather than simple tubal ligation. But an August 2023 publication, in JAMA Network Open, stated that women who undergo a salpingectomy are no more or less at risk of ovarian cancer compared to traditional tubal ligation. Why? In this episode, we will summarize this controversial publication and contrast that to a systematic review the following month, in September 2023 in JAMA Surgery, which provides an alternative conclusion. Should we still perform opportunistic salpingectomies (OS) rather than tubal ligations in the average-risk patient? We’ll explain the data and provide clinical pearls for practice at the end of the episode. Thank you, Bret, for this clinical conundrum as a podcast episode recommendation! You ask…we do!