Physicians in British Columbia are at the forefront of preventive health care, championing opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) as a transformative approach to reducing ovarian cancer risk.
This innovative procedure involves removing the fallopian tubes during a hysterectomy or other pelvic or abdominal surgeries for women who have finished having children or are undergoing surgery for non-cancer-related reasons. Research shows that many ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes, positioning OS as a highly effective preventive measure.
Started by BC physicians, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Specialist Services Committee’s Perioperative Clinical Action Network, the opportunistic salpingectomy project received funding from Shared Care in 2024 to support education and implementation throughout BC. In 2025-26, funded by the Specialist Services Committee, the project aims to expand OS into routine surgeries performed by general and urologic surgeons, to broaden its impact.
By embedding OS into standard practices, BC is advancing women’s health to help reduce ovarian cancer risk without requiring additional surgeries. For more information, refer to the resources below, including an educational pamphlet, a consent handout, and a video explaining OS for general and urologic surgeons.
Read more: Editorial by Dr Sepehr Khorasani in the BC Medical Journal.
Resources
For patients: Ovarian Cancer Prevention Educational Pamphlet; Decision Aid for removal of fallopian tubes
For physicians: Opportunistic Salpingectomy Consent Handout
For general and urologic surgeons:
- Video: Expanding Uptake for Opportunistic Salpingectomy in BC
The below 13-minute video, narrated by general surgeon and surgical oncologist Dr Heather Stuart, explains the science and benefits of opportunistic salpingectomy for general and urologic surgeons interested in learning more. It covers counsel and consent, anatomical considerations, surgical procedures and risks, and troubleshooting options.
- Grant program: Download information on how to apply for the BC Reticulum Mentorship Grant Program. Doctors of BC funds a portion of selected mentorships to support general surgeons interested in learning how to perform opportunistic salpingectomies.
