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.