Oophorectomy or ovarian conservation at the time of hysterectomy for benign disease

Abstract

Bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy is indicated for patients with suspected or confirmed gynaecological malignancy. Risk reduction surgery is indicated in patients with a significant family history or a genetic predisposition to developing breast or ovarian cancer. Bilateral salpingectomy with ovarian conservation reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, whilst preserving ovarian function. Oophorectomy prior to the menopause is associated with increased all‐cause mortality and significant menopause related morbidity. Conservative measures such as weight loss, family planning and lifestyle advice could reduce the overall lifetime risk of ovarian cancer.