Menopausal Impact of Opportunistic Salpingectomy for Ovarian Cancer Prevention

Opportunistic salpingectomy, defined as removal of the fallopian tubes during gynaecologic surgery performed for another indication, has been proposed as a strategy to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. This approach is supported by accumulating evidence that many high-grade serous ovarian cancers originate in the distal fallopian tube. Although short-term surgical safety has been evaluated in randomized and observational studies, uncertainty remains regarding possible long-term effects on ovarian function.

The HOPPSA randomized trial was initiated to evaluate outcomes after hysterectomy with or without salpingectomy in women undergoing surgery for benign conditions. Previous analyses from this cohort have focused on perioperative safety and patient-reported outcomes. However, the effect of salpingectomy on the timing of menopause has not yet been determined. This question is clinically important because epidemiologic evidence shows that earlier menopause is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality, with approximately a 2% relative increase in risk per year earlier menopause. Earlier menopause has also been associated with increased risks of osteoporosis, neurocognitive symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. Even modest shifts in menopausal timing could therefore have clinically meaningful long-term health implications.

The relevance of this knowledge gap is underscored by the relatively low lifetime risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in the general population, estimated at approximately 1.3-2%. Modelling studies suggest that between 96 and 148 opportunistic salpingectomy procedures may be required to prevent one ovarian cancer case. Consequently, even small changes in menopausal timing, if present, could influence the overall balance of benefits and risks associated with preventive salpingectomy.

Assessment of menopausal timing after hysterectomy presents methodological challenges because menstrual history cannot be used. Biochemical markers are therefore required. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a well-established indicator of ovarian aging and menopausal transition, reflecting declining ovarian follicular activity. Measurement of FSH in blood samples enables estimation of menopausal timing independent of menstrual data.

Capillary blood sampling using self-collected dried blood spots enables biologic measurements in large populations without requiring clinic visits. This approach has been validated for hormone analyses and facilitates long-term follow-up with reduced logistical constraints, thereby supporting high participation and minimizing attrition in longitudinal studies, an important consideration for unbiased estimation of long-term outcomes.