Attitudes of Italian gynaecologists towards prophylactic oophorectomy at hysterectomy for non-malignant conditions

Abstract Objective To compare the attitudes of Italian oncologic gynaecologists towards prophylactic oophorectomy at hysterectomy for a non-neoplastic reason. Study design A four-item two-part questionnaire was submitted to 170 gynaecologists attending a national conference on gynaecologic oncology. Results About 92% of gynaecologists reported they would perform prophylactic oophorectomy in women over 50 years, but only 14% said they would in patients aged 45–50; a family history of cancer emerged as a major decision-making criterion for performing oophorectomy in the younger set of patients. Conclusion Our brief survey confirms the wide variability in attitudes among gynaecologists towards performing prophylactic oophorectomy at hysterectomy for a non-neoplastic pathology in women aged 40–50.