[Prophylactic oophorectomy (author's transl)]

The controversy of prophylactic oophorectomy is discussed. The literature is reviewed and the personal observations of the last 20 years are described. The following conclusions are drawn: The operative risk is not increased by oophorectomy. Hysterectomy does not diminish the function of the remaining ovaries. Pathology of the ovaris is not influenced by hysterectomy. The incidence of ovarian cancer is the same in patients following hysterectomy at it is in patient's without hysterectomy. A review of our cases showed that 700 prophylactic oophorectomies are necessary to prevent one case of ovarian cancer. The later occurence of menopause is an argument against prophylactic oophorectomy prior to age 55.