Ovarian cancer, a deadly gynecological disease, has earned the moniker 'the silent killer' due to its elusive nature and lack of early detection methods. However, a groundbreaking revelation suggests that a single surgical procedure could potentially prevent the majority of ovarian cancer cases. This news, presented by experts from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against this devastating disease.
Dr. Joseph V. Sakran, a prominent figure in the field, emphasizes the urgency of addressing ovarian cancer's late detection and its devastating consequences. He highlights the importance of exploring preventive measures beyond the realm of gynecologic oncology, suggesting that general surgeons could play a pivotal role in this endeavor.
The traditional belief that ovarian cancer originates in the ovaries has been challenged by recent research. Many aggressive forms of this cancer are now understood to begin in the fallopian tubes, slender structures near the ovaries that serve a reproductive function but become less essential as women age. This new understanding has led to a growing body of evidence supporting the removal of the fallopian tubes as a preventive measure against ovarian cancer.
At the ACS Clinical Congress 2025 in Chicago, Dr. Sakran moderated a session focused on integrating fallopian tube removal into general surgical practice. The panel emphasized the need for greater awareness and informed consent when offering this procedure to post-reproductive women undergoing elective abdominal or pelvic surgeries.
Experts estimate that incorporating this procedure, known as opportunistic salpingectomy, into 60% of eligible surgeries could prevent nearly 6,000 ovarian cancer deaths annually. The procedure is particularly recommended for women aged 45 and older who are at average risk of ovarian cancer, meaning they have no genetic or familial history of the disease.
The potential of opportunistic salpingectomy to prevent ovarian cancer before it starts is significant. Currently, there is no reliable screening method to detect ovarian cancer early, and symptoms often only become apparent once the cancer has progressed. However, emerging research suggests that removing the fallopian tubes could prevent approximately 80% of the most common and lethal ovarian cancers.
Dr. Kara Long, a member of the ovarian cancer surgery section at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, emphasizes the impact of this procedure on reducing pain and suffering among ovarian cancer patients. She stresses the importance of educating patients about the option of opportunistic salpingectomy during planned pelvic or abdominal surgeries, giving them the choice to take a proactive approach to their health.
In addition to its preventive benefits, opportunistic salpingectomy preserves the ovaries, which produce essential hormones throughout a woman's life. The recognition of this surgery's preventive potential is gaining momentum, with organizations like the American Cancer Society and the Break Through Cancer Foundation partnering to raise awareness among clinicians and the public. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also acknowledges the value of this procedure in preventing ovarian cancer.
The role of general surgeons in prevention is being redefined. Opportunistic salpingectomy adds a relatively short time, between 5 and 13 minutes, to another planned abdominal surgery. In most cases, general surgeons can perform it during select non-emergency operations, such as gallbladder removal, bariatric surgery, or hernia repair. Expanding education and access to this procedure is particularly crucial in rural areas with limited surgical care.
Despite the promise of opportunistic salpingectomy, more training and guidance on reimbursement are needed. A new ICD-10-CM code (Z40.82) recognizes the procedure as preventive for ovarian cancer, but broad insurance coverage remains a challenge. Experts also emphasize the importance of thorough patient counseling about the risks and benefits, particularly the permanent prevention of natural conception, while noting that pregnancy remains possible through IVF.
Dr. Rebecca Stone, director of gynecological oncology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, advocates for bringing opportunistic salpingectomy into everyday dialogue, both within and outside clinical settings. She compares it to other preventive interventions, such as colectomy or polypectomy, which are performed to prevent colon cancer.
"I've dedicated my career to caring for women and their families affected by ovarian cancer, most of whom have advanced disease," Dr. Stone said. "While we can save some lives, far too many still suffer. Opportunistic salpingectomy gives us the power to change that narrative by preventing ovarian cancer from ever developing. Expanding access to this procedure is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities in medicine today."
For more information and resources on ovarian cancer prevention, journalists can contact pressinquiry@facs.org to connect with experts in the field. Additional resources on cancer prevention and survivorship are available at www.facs.org/media-center/resources-for-journalists/.
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a prestigious scientific and educational organization founded in 1913 with a mission to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The ACS is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery and has significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America. With approximately 90,000 members, it is the largest organization of surgeons worldwide, and the designation "FACS" signifies that a surgeon is a Fellow of the ACS.
