Hysterectomy and concurrent oophorectomy for endometrial cancer: which women benefit?

Abstract

Recent evidence has challenged the traditional paradigm in gynecology that women over the age of 45 years who are undergoing hysterectomy should also undergo prophylactic oophorectomy. Oophorectomy in young women is associated with an increased risk in cardiac disease, osteoporosis and all-cause mortality. With the increasing incidence of endometrial cancer in young women, the decision of whether to perform an oophorectomy in premenopausal women undergoing endometrial cancer staging is becoming increasingly common. We present the risks and benefits of oophorectomy, as well as discuss the literature concerning oophorectomy in young women with endometrial cancer.