B.C.-Pioneered Surgery Offers Hope in Ovarian Cancer Prevention
A Nanaimo gynecologist is championing wider adoption of a preventative surgery that’s showing remarkable success in reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. The procedure, known as opportunistic salpingectomy – the removal of the fallopian tubes – is gaining traction after new research demonstrated a nearly 80 percent reduction in the most aggressive form of ovarian cancer.
The Science Behind Salpingectomy
Published in JAMA Network, the study followed over 85,000 women in British Columbia. Dr. Evelyn Eng, a Nanaimo-based obstetrician and gynecologist, explains, “It’s demonstrating nearly an 80 per cent reduction in ovarian cancer when we remove their fallopian tubes.”
The concept isn’t new. Dr. Diane Miller pioneered the procedure in B.C. Back in 2010, but the recent data solidifies its effectiveness and is driving a push for broader implementation.
Why Now? Expanding Access Across Vancouver Island
Currently, gynecologists on Vancouver Island are offering the procedure. The focus now is on extending its availability to general surgery and urology departments. Dr. Eng notes that general surgeons in Victoria are already adopting the practice, with educational sessions planned to expand the rollout.
“I can confirm that some general surgeons and urologists in Victoria are offering this procedure, and expanding to the whole group of general surgeons will be ongoing with an educational session planned next month,” Dr. Eng stated.
The procedure itself is relatively quick, adding only three to five minutes to existing surgeries, with no increase in complications or recovery time.
Ovarian Cancer: A Critical Health Challenge
Ovarian cancer remains a significant health concern in Canada, with approximately 3,000 new diagnoses and 2,000 deaths each year. Its often-late diagnosis contributes to a low five-year survival rate. The Canadian Cancer Society highlights the lack of effective early screening processes.
Dr. Eng emphasizes the importance of proactive prevention. “We do our best…But the five year survival rate is very low because it’s often diagnosed at this advanced stage and so it’s devastating for the patients and their families.”
Empowering Patients to Ask About Prevention
For patients undergoing abdominal surgery for other reasons, Dr. Eng encourages a conversation with their surgeon about the possibility of including a salpingectomy. “If they’re done with fertility, it should become the new standard,” she asserts.
She clarifies that the fallopian tubes have no purpose once a person is finished with childbearing. “Fallopian tubes exist for fertility so that the sperm and egg can meet and go through the fallopian tubes,” explains Dr. Eng. “The ovaries continue to develop all the hormones that a person needs for the rest of their life. The uterus remains intact. Those fallopian tubes, really, we see no purpose that they serve other than for fertility.”
Resources for Further Information
For more information about opportunistic salpingectomy, visit Opportunistic Salpingectomy | SSC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is opportunistic salpingectomy?
It’s the removal of the fallopian tubes during a surgery performed for another reason, to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Does removing my fallopian tubes affect my hormones?
No, the ovaries continue to function normally and produce hormones after the fallopian tubes are removed.
Who is a good candidate for this procedure?
Individuals who are finished with childbearing are generally considered good candidates.
How much does this procedure add to surgery time?
The procedure adds approximately three to five minutes to the overall surgery time.
If you are undergoing a general surgery procedure, please discuss this option with your general surgeon.