A groundbreaking surgical technique developed in British Columbia offers promising results in reducing the risk of the most common and lethal form of ovarian cancer among women. Known as opportunistic salpingectomy, this preventive procedure involves the removal of fallopian tubes during routine gynecological surgeries, such as hysterectomies or tubal ligations.
Recent research published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open reveals that women who underwent opportunistic salpingectomy were 78% less likely to develop ovarian cancer. Even in cases where the disease did occur, it exhibited less aggressive biological behavior.
Dr. Lucy Gilbert, the director of the Division of Gynecological Oncology and the Women’s Health Research Unit at McGill University Health Centre, emphasized the significance of this preventive measure in combating ovarian cancer. The traditional focus on detecting ovarian cancer directly within the ovaries proved to be a misconception, as it was discovered that most cases originate in the fallopian tubes.
Opportunistic salpingectomy, pioneered by researchers from institutions in British Columbia, has gained global recognition and is now recommended by medical organizations in 24 countries. By removing the fallopian tubes while preserving ovarian function, this procedure minimizes side effects associated with additional interventions.
The study, based on health data from over 85,000 individuals who underwent gynecological surgeries in British Columbia, highlights the substantial reduction in ovarian cancer risk linked to opportunistic salpingectomy. Dr. Gilbert advocates for the adoption of this preventive approach to mitigate the impact of a cancer that claims the lives of thousands of women annually.
