Which doctors best reduce ovarian cancer risk?

A US study finds a difference between gynaecological oncologists and O&Gs
Reuters Health
woman looking down microscope

Most gynaecological oncologists adhere to surgical guidelines for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, unlike more than half of other obstetrician-gynaecologists, US researchers report.

The researchers examined adherence to US guidelines in women with a pathogenic BRCA mutation who were undergoing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy.

According to these guidelines, the surgical protocol requires complete resection of the fallopian tube, collection of pelvic washings, ligation of the ovarian vessels 2-3cm proximal to the ovary, and survey of the entire abdomen with biopsies as indicated.

The guidelines also recommend a detailed pathological review that involves serial sectioning and microscopic examination of the entire specimen using the SEE-FIM protocol (sectioning and extensively examining the fimbriated end).