The Opportunistic Salpingectomy in Reducing Ovarian Cancer Risk: Do the Potential Benefits Outweigh Complications?

Abstract

A 33-year-old women with 3 children who has completed child bearing presents to your office for permanent sterilization via a laparoscopic approach. She has recently heard through the internet that removal of the fallopian tubes completely may decrease her ovarian cancer risk more than a tubal ligation with placement of clips or cauterization. She has no family history of gynecologic malignancies but is now curious about preventative measures for ovarian cancer that can decrease her risk. How do you counsel this patient?