Our Summary

This study aimed to understand the impact of a preventative surgery (Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy or RRSO) on women who have a genetic mutation (BRCA) that increases their risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The researchers compared different aspects of life such as quality of life, mental health, sexual function, and menopausal symptoms between those who had the surgery and those who did not. They also looked at whether the timing of the surgery (before or after menopause) made a difference.

The study found that having the surgery was associated with a lower physical quality of life, but it did not affect mental health, sexual function, or menopausal symptoms. For those who had the surgery after menopause, they found a lower mental quality of life compared to those who had the surgery before menopause.

These findings will help doctors in guiding women with this genetic mutation about the potential impacts of the preventative surgery on various aspects of their life.

FAQs

  1. What is the impact of Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy (RRSO) surgery on women with a BRCA genetic mutation?
  2. Does the timing of the RRSO surgery (before or after menopause) affect the quality of life and mental health of the women?
  3. Does the RRSO surgery affect the mental health, sexual function, or menopausal symptoms of women with the BRCA genetic mutation?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient considering salpingo-oophorectomy is to discuss the potential impact on quality of life, mental health, sexual function, and menopausal symptoms. It is important for patients to understand the potential physical and emotional effects of the surgery before making a decision. Additionally, the timing of the surgery, before or after menopause, may also play a role in how it affects different aspects of life. Patients should have a thorough discussion with their healthcare provider about these considerations before proceeding with the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended salpingo-oophorectomy include:

  1. Women with a genetic mutation (such as BRCA) that significantly increases their risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
  2. Women with a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer.
  3. Women who have completed childbearing and are at high risk for developing ovarian cancer.
  4. Women who have already had breast cancer and are at high risk for developing ovarian cancer.
  5. Women who have a personal history of ovarian cancer and are at risk for developing a second primary cancer in the ovaries.

It is important for patients to discuss their individual risk factors and medical history with their healthcare provider to determine if salpingo-oophorectomy is a suitable option for them.

Timeline

Before the salpingo-oophorectomy:

  • Patient undergoes genetic testing and receives a positive result for BRCA mutation
  • Patient meets with a genetic counselor to discuss options for risk reduction
  • Patient decides to undergo Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy (RRSO)
  • Patient meets with a gynecologist to discuss the surgery and its potential impact on quality of life, mental health, sexual function, and menopausal symptoms
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation

After the salpingo-oophorectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the surgery to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries
  • Patient recovers in the hospital for a few days
  • Patient experiences physical discomfort and recovery period at home
  • Patient may experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes
  • Patient may experience changes in sexual function due to hormonal changes
  • Patient follows up with the gynecologist for post-operative care and monitoring
  • Patient may experience changes in quality of life and mental health due to the surgery and its impact on hormone levels

Overall, the patient may experience a mix of physical, emotional, and psychological changes before and after the salpingo-oophorectomy, but the surgery can also provide peace of mind and reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer for those with the BRCA mutation.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential benefits of undergoing a salpingo-oophorectomy for someone with a BRCA genetic mutation?

  2. What are the potential risks or complications associated with the surgery?

  3. How will the surgery impact my quality of life, specifically in terms of physical health, mental health, sexual function, and menopausal symptoms?

  4. Is there a difference in outcomes between having the surgery before or after menopause?

  5. What is the recovery process like after a salpingo-oophorectomy?

  6. Will I need hormone replacement therapy after the surgery?

  7. How often will I need follow-up appointments or screenings after the surgery?

  8. Are there alternative options to reduce my risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer besides surgery?

  9. How will this surgery impact my fertility or ability to have children in the future?

  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after undergoing a salpingo-oophorectomy?

Reference

Authors: Chae S, Kim EK, Jang YR, Lee AS, Kim SK, Suh DH, Kim K, No JH, Kim YB, Kim SW, Kang E. Journal: Asian J Surg. 2021 Aug;44(8):1056-1062. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2021.01.007. Epub 2021 Feb 8. PMID: 33573923