Attitudes and clinical practice of Italian gynecologists towards prophylactic oophorectomy during hysterectomy for benign conditions.

Objectives: To evaluate the attitudes of Italian gynecologists towards prophylactic oophorectomy in women who underwent hysterectomy for benign conditions.

Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to 490 physicians in charge in 42 obstetric and gynecologic centres affiliated to the Association of Italian Obstetrics and Gynecologists.

Results: About 80% of gynecologists perform prophylactic oophorectomy for women aged more than 50, but this percentage decreases to 50% for patients aged 45-50. Most gynecologists avoid prophylactic oophorectomy in women aged less than 40.

Conclusions: This study confirms the wide variability in attitudes of gynecologists towards prophylactic oophorectomy in women aged 40-50 who undergo hysterectomy for benign conditions.