STOPOVCA 2.0

During the first phase of our STOPOVCA 2.0 project, we investigated the barriers and facilitating factors for opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) during non-gynecological intra-abdominal surgeries from the perspectives of patients, surgeons, and urologists.

Of the 21 interviewed patients who had undergone a surgical or urological intra-abdominal procedure, 19 indicated they would have opted for OS during their surgery, while two women needed more time to consider the decision.

The main barriers for patients were:

  • Lack of awareness about OS

  • A current desire to have children

  • The relatively low risk of developing ovarian carcinoma

The key facilitating factors included:

  • The opportunity to prevent ovarian cancer and its poor prognosis

  • Trust in their treating physician

  • Receiving adequate information

  • Understanding that the fallopian tubes lose their function once childbearing is complete

Focus group and survey research showed that from the perspective of surgeons and urologists, 60% of surgeons and 61% of urologists support offering opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) during non-gynecological intra-abdominal surgeries.

The main barriers for professionals were:

  • Uncertainty about which patients are eligible for OS

  • Risks of complications

  • Increased workload

  • Lack of clarity regarding billing for OS

Facilitating factors included:

  • The poor prognosis of ovarian carcinoma

  • Availability of standardized informational materials

  • Education on counseling and performing OS

  • Involvement of a gynecologist

  • Clear agreements between the departments involved within the hospital

During the second phase of the project, an implementation strategy with supporting tools was developed, based on the factors identified among patients and professionals. The adapted decision aid for patients and this online toolbox are part of this strategy.

In the final phase of the STOPOVCA 2.0 project, we aim to evaluate the feasibility of implementing OS during non-gynecological intra-abdominal surgeries.