Our Summary

The study aimed to investigate whether having an additional procedure called an “opportunistic salpingectomy” (OS) during a hysterectomy might increase the risk of early menopause. An OS is an operation where the fallopian tubes are removed, often done to prevent ovarian cancer. The researchers looked at the medical records of 79 women who had hysterectomies, 54 of whom also had an OS, from 2007 to 2015. They found that women who also had an OS were more likely to have early menopause and experience menopausal sleep issues. Their findings suggest that having an OS during a hysterectomy might cause menopause to start earlier than it would with a hysterectomy alone. Therefore, doctors should discuss this potential risk with patients before surgery. The researchers also noted that more studies are needed to confirm their findings.

FAQs

  1. What is an “opportunistic salpingectomy” (OS) and why is it performed during a hysterectomy?
  2. Does having an OS during a hysterectomy increase the risk of early menopause?
  3. What other potential risks should doctors discuss with patients before performing an OS during a hysterectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hysterectomy is to discuss the potential risk of early menopause if an opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) is performed during the procedure. It is important for patients to be aware of this possibility and weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision about having an OS during their hysterectomy. Additionally, patients should be informed about potential menopausal symptoms and strategies to manage them, such as hormone therapy or lifestyle changes. It is important for patients to have open and honest discussions with their healthcare provider about their options and any potential risks associated with the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hysterectomy include those with:

  1. Uterine fibroids that cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure on the bladder or bowel.
  2. Endometriosis that is severe and causing significant pain or other symptoms.
  3. Uterine prolapse, where the uterus protrudes into the vaginal canal.
  4. Gynecologic cancers such as cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer.
  5. Abnormal uterine bleeding that cannot be controlled with other treatments.
  6. Chronic pelvic pain that does not respond to other treatments.
  7. Adenomyosis, a condition where the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle wall.

Each patient’s individual situation and medical history will determine whether a hysterectomy is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before hysterectomy:

  1. Patient consults with doctor to discuss reasons for hysterectomy and potential risks and benefits.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes or stop certain medications in preparation for surgery.
  4. Patient may experience anxiety or emotional distress leading up to the surgery date.

After hysterectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove the uterus, with or without additional procedures like OS.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover, depending on the type of hysterectomy performed.
  3. Patient may experience pain, fatigue, and other side effects post-surgery.
  4. Patient is advised to take it easy and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks.
  5. Patient may experience changes in hormone levels and symptoms of early menopause, especially if an OS was performed.
  6. Patient follows up with their doctor for post-operative care and monitoring of any potential complications.
  7. Patient may need hormone replacement therapy or other treatments to manage menopausal symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential benefits of having an opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) during my hysterectomy?
  2. What are the potential risks or side effects associated with having an OS during my hysterectomy?
  3. Will having an OS during my hysterectomy increase my risk of early menopause, as suggested by this study?
  4. Are there any alternative options to prevent ovarian cancer that I should consider instead of having an OS?
  5. How common is it for women to experience early menopause or menopausal symptoms after having an OS during a hysterectomy?
  6. Are there any additional steps I can take to manage or reduce the risk of early menopause if I choose to have an OS during my hysterectomy?
  7. Are there any specific factors about my medical history or current health that might make me more or less likely to experience early menopause after having an OS during my hysterectomy?
  8. What further research or studies are needed to better understand the potential impact of having an OS during a hysterectomy on menopausal outcomes?
  9. How will having an OS during my hysterectomy affect my overall recovery and long-term health outcomes?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional information or resources to help me make an informed decision about whether to have an OS during my hysterectomy?

Reference

Authors: Chen PC, Li PC, Ding DC. Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 20;19(19):11871. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191911871. PMID: 36231169