The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of successful bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse and to evaluate associated factors and success rate over time.
This was a retrospective chart review of all women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse who were consented for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy “if possible” and “including extraordinary measures” between 2014 and 2019 at a tertiary medical center. Baseline demographic data along with prolapse stage, operative findings, operative time, and complications were recorded. Univariate analysis using the Pearson’s chi-square test, the student’s t-test or Mann Whitney U test when appropriate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of successful vaginal bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
A total of 453 eligible patients were included. 420 patients (92.7 %) were consented for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy “if possible” and 33 patients (7.3 %) were consented for “including extraordinary measures”. The success rate of vaginal bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in all patients was 57.9 % (n = 262). Of the patients consented for extraordinary measures, the success rate was 93.9 % (n = 31), compared to a success rate of 55 % (n = 231) in the “if possible” group. A concurrent posterior repair was found to have higher odds of successful bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (adjOR 1.75 [95 % CI = 1.17-2.61]). Successful bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy extended operative time by 14 min (154 min vs 140 min, p < 0.001). Compared to patients in the unsuccessful group, the successful group had a higher proportion of the following indications: a family history of ovarian cancer, personal breast cancer history or patient request for definitive removal.
When the pre-operative intention to perform bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse is high, the success rate is nearly 40% higher when compared to an opportunistic procedure. This suggests that success is closely linked to the surgeon’s determination to complete this procedure vaginally.

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