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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Surgical Techniques to Optimize Ovarian Reserve during Laparoscopic Cystectomy for Ovarian Endometrioma
Published on: January 22, 2022
Opportunistic salpingectomy during non-gynecologic surgery: Canadian surgeons' experience, barriers and facilitators
Sarah J Mah1, Anne-Marie Bergeron2, Gillian Hanley3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
Background:
Opportunistic salpingectomy during concurrent abdominopelvic surgery has been shown to significantly reduce ovarian cancer risk. Uptake by non-gynecologic surgeons could increase population impact. We conducted a national survey of general and urologic surgeons using Michie et al.'s implementation framework of Capability, Motivation, Opportunity-Behaviour to understand understand current experience with opportunistic salpingectomy, and facilitators and barriers to adoption.
Methods:
An online survey was administered to Canadian general and urologic surgeons and postgraduate trainees from January-June 2024. A multivariable logistic regression model assessed relationship between demographic factors and motivation to adopt opportunistic salpingectomy.
Results:
269 surveys were completed by 226 general surgeons and 43 urologists. Although 88% reported motivation to perform opportunistic salpingectomy for cancer prevention, practice duration ≥21 years and province of practice were associated with decreased motivation. Only 44% were aware of recommendations endorsing the procedure, and 19% had performed it. Commonly reported barriers to adoption were Capability (consenting patients regarding permanent contraception and ovarian function, and intraoperative technique/complications), and Opportunity (reimbursement). A surgical video was the preferred method to learn salpingectomy by 94%, and patient consent handouts and intraoperative training by a gynecologist were facilitators. Most (92%) stated that opportunistic salpingectomy training should be offered to postgraduate trainees.
Discussion:
Most general and urologic surgeons in Canada were unaware of and have not performed opportunistic salpingectomy but were motivated to offer it. Providing consent resources and training opportunities with gynecologist support, and addressing cultural and regulatory factors may improve uptake by surgeons and decrease ovarian cancer incidence.
