[The prophylactic oophorectomy. An unsolved problem]

The ovarian cancer is the second cancer of the female genital organs and it is the first cause of death for gynecological oncology and the sixth cause of death in women. Prevention and early detection may reduce the mortality of ovarian cancer. Potential screening tests include pelvic exams, sonography and tumor markers measurements, although they do not guarantee a positive effect on the survival rate. In the last century, the role of prophylactic oophorectomy during benign pelvic operation has been discussed. The choice of this preventive measure raises the question of the advantages and disadvantages that a surgical menopause could cause. Finally, the role of laparoscopy in the performance of the oophorectomy versus the vaginal approach is discussed.