New recommendations for fallopian tube removal
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) has updated its guidelines to recommend the removal of fallopian tubes during other pelvic or abdominal surgeries to reduce ovarian cancer risk. This shift is based on evidence that many ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes.
Why it matters
This preventative surgical approach offers a significant opportunity to reduce ovarian cancer incidence, as early detection for the disease is currently difficult.
Updated guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) recommending the removal of fallopian tubes to reduce ovarian cancer risk , are grounded in data showing most ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes, not the ovaries.
The removal of both fallopian tubes is called a bilateral salpingectomy; when the tubes are removed during another, unrelated surgery, it’s known as an opportunistic salpingectomy.
ACOG’s updated guidelines explain that many common abdominal and pelvic procedures including a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), tubal procedures for permanent contraception and even some non-gynaecologic surgeries, offer opportunities to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer through salpingectomy.
Once the fallopian tubes are removed, the patient cannot conceive without the help of in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
ACOG recommends OB‑GYNs perform salpingectomy in certain circumstances:
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