Canadian surgical innovation cuts ovarian cancer risk by nearly 80 per cent

A UBC-led study published in JAMA Network Open reports that opportunistic salpingectomy—removal of the fallopian tubes during routine gynaecological surgery—was associated with a 78% lower risk of serous ovarian cancer in an analysis of more than 85,000 people in British Columbia between 2008 and 2020.

A new UBC-led study finds that removing fallopian tubes during routine gynaecological operations is linked with a large reduction in the most common and deadly form of ovarian cancer. The approach, called opportunistic salpingectomy (OS), was developed in British Columbia after research indicated many ovarian cancers begin in the fallopian tubes. OS preserves the ovaries and their hormone function while adding the tube removal when people are already having hysterectomy or tubal ligation. Key details: - The study was published in JAMA Network Open and analyzed population health data for more than 85,000 people who had gynaecological surgery in B.C. from 2008 to 2020. - People who had opportunistic salpingectomy were 78% less likely to develop serous ovarian cancer compared with similar surgeries without OS. - In the uncommon cases of ovarian cancer after OS, the cancers were reported as less biologically aggressive. - OS leaves the ovaries intact to preserve hormone production and previous research has reported minimal side effects and cost-effectiveness. - About 80% of hysterectomies and tubal ligation procedures in B.C. now include fallopian tube removal, and professional medical organizations in 24 countries recommend OS as a prevention strategy. Summary: The research provides clearer evidence that opportunistic salpingectomy is associated with a substantial reduction in serous ovarian cancer risk and supports findings from earlier studies on safety and cost-effectiveness. Researchers and health organizations cited in the study note wider adoption within B.C. and internationally, and extending the practice to other appropriate abdominal or pelvic surgeries has been discussed as a way to increase reach.