Commentary on Provider Adherence to Surgical Guidelines for Risk Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy

BRCA mutation carriers have a significantly increased lifetime risk of ovarian cancer compared to the general population. Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy (RRSO) is the primary evidence-based treatment to decrease that risk. The National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) endorse a set of surgical guidelines to be completed at the time of RRSO. In the study “Provider Adherence to Surgical Guidelines for Risk Reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy”, we found that only two-thirds of all surgical providers were fully adherent to these guidelines. Gynecologic oncologists were more likely to follow surgical guidelines compared to general Obstetrician Gynecologists, and more likely to diagnose occult neoplasia despite similar patient populations. Here we discuss the reason for the surgical protocol, the clinical implications of noncompliance, and practical ways that providers can ensure full adherence to the protocol.