Fallopian Tube Removal During Non-Gynaecological Intra-Abdominal Surgery: An Opportunity to Prevent High Grade Serous Tubo-Ovarian Cancer.
Opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) is increasingly recommended during gynaecological surgery for primary prevention of ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancer. Emerging evidence supports its feasibility during abdominal surgery for non-gynaecological indications; however, uptake remains limited.
ShiELD (Opportunistic Salpingectomy at the time of Elective Abdominal Surgery) was a pilot study conducted at a tertiary level institution involving non-gynaecological surgeons. Participants completed a Likert-scale assessment of knowledge, attitudes, perceived barriers and confidence regarding OS before and after an intervention, which was viewing a targeted educational video. Responses were analysed descriptively, with Likert categories collapsed into agreement versus non-agreement.
Forty surgeons completed the survey. Baseline understanding of OS was high (76.9%), but knowledge of complications (38.4%), surgical technique (33.4%) and patient selection (28.2%) was limited. Only 20.5% felt comfortable performing OS independently. Following the intervention, agreement improved across all domains, including understanding of OS (100%), complications (80.0%), surgical technique (89.8%) and patient selection (72.5%). Comfort performing OS independently increased to 55.0%, while discomfort with consent decreased from 66.6% to 40.0%.
A brief educational intervention significantly improved non-gynaecological surgeons' knowledge, confidence and willingness to consider opportunistic salpingectomy. Education represents a critical step toward broader implementation of OS in non-gynaecological surgical practice.
ShiELD (Opportunistic Salpingectomy at the time of Elective Abdominal Surgery) was a pilot study conducted at a tertiary level institution involving non-gynaecological surgeons. Participants completed a Likert-scale assessment of knowledge, attitudes, perceived barriers and confidence regarding OS before and after an intervention, which was viewing a targeted educational video. Responses were analysed descriptively, with Likert categories collapsed into agreement versus non-agreement.
Forty surgeons completed the survey. Baseline understanding of OS was high (76.9%), but knowledge of complications (38.4%), surgical technique (33.4%) and patient selection (28.2%) was limited. Only 20.5% felt comfortable performing OS independently. Following the intervention, agreement improved across all domains, including understanding of OS (100%), complications (80.0%), surgical technique (89.8%) and patient selection (72.5%). Comfort performing OS independently increased to 55.0%, while discomfort with consent decreased from 66.6% to 40.0%.
A brief educational intervention significantly improved non-gynaecological surgeons' knowledge, confidence and willingness to consider opportunistic salpingectomy. Education represents a critical step toward broader implementation of OS in non-gynaecological surgical practice.
Authors
Jolley Jolley, Sinha Sinha, McCormick McCormick, Chittleborough Chittleborough, McBain McBain, McNally McNally
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