Elective oophorectomy in the gynecological patient: when is it desirable?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Oophorectomy is electively performed in approximately 300,000 US women per year who are having hysterectomy for benign disease.

RECENT FINDINGS: New studies have suggested that elective oophorectomy may not be advisable for the majority of women, as it may lead to a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease and hip fracture, and may result in a higher incidence of dementia and Parkinson's disease. Women with known BRCA 1/2 germ-line mutations clearly benefit from oophorectomy after childbearing.

SUMMARY: Prophylactic oophorectomy should be undertaken with caution in the majority of women with an average risk of ovarian cancer who are having a hysterectomy for benign disease.