Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Preventing Ovarian Cancer Through Opportunistic Salpingectomy at the Time of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This study is investigating if removing the fallopian tubes (called an opportunistic salpingectomy) at the same time as gallbladder surgery (a laparoscopic cholecystectomy) can help prevent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a significant health concern for women. While removing fallopian tubes is known to prevent a common and serious type of ovarian cancer when done during other gynaecological surgeries, this study wants to see if it's feasible and safe to do it when someone is already having their gallbladder removed. The researchers will also look at how much extra time this adds to the surgery and if it's a good way to use existing healthcare opportunities to reduce ovarian cancer risk. This could be a new way to protect more women from this disease.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

240

Start

01 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

02 Mar 2029

Salpingectomy Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a new way to help prevent ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a serious illness, and finding ways to stop it from developing in the first place is very important. One promising way to prevent a common and aggressive type of ovarian cancer is by removing the fallopian tubes, the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the womb. This procedure is called a 'salpingectomy'.

Sometimes, women have their fallopian tubes removed during other gynaecological operations, like a hysterectomy (womb removal) or instead of having their 'tubes tied' (sterilisation). This study wants to see if we can offer this preventative step to more women when they are already having a different type of surgery. Specifically, it's exploring whether fallopian tubes can be safely removed at the same time as gallbladder surgery (a procedure called a 'laparoscopic cholecystectomy'). The idea is to make the most of an existing operation to provide an additional health benefit.

The main goals of this study are to find out if removing fallopian tubes during gallbladder surgery is practical, safe, and a cost-effective way to prevent ovarian cancer. The researchers also want to see how much extra time this might add to the surgery and whether it makes sense to offer this option more widely as a way to reduce ovarian cancer risk. They believe it could be a safe and effective way to help protect more women.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new way to prevent ovarian cancer.
Bilateral salpingectomy (fallopian tube removal) during gallbladder surgery.
Aims to be safe, feasible, and cost-effective.
Could reduce risk of a serious type of ovarian cancer.
Involves a small amount of extra surgical time (10-20 minutes).

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women aged 35 or older who still have their fallopian tubes and are scheduled to have keyhole surgery to remove their gallbladder. For you to be considered, there needs to be at least 24 hours between your doctor's consultation about the surgery and the actual operation itself. This allows enough time to understand the study and decide if you want to take part.

You would not be able to join this study if you wish to become pregnant in the future, as removing your fallopian tubes would prevent this. You also can't participate if you've already had your fallopian tubes or ovaries removed in a previous operation. Lastly, if your gallbladder surgery is scheduled very quickly – less than 24 hours after your consultation – you wouldn't have enough time to properly consider the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman aged 35 or older?
Are you scheduled for keyhole gallbladder removal surgery?
Is there more than 24 hours between your doctor's chat and your surgery date?
Do you currently have your fallopian tubes?
Are you sure you do not want to become pregnant in the future?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first be given an information sheet and access to an online video that explains the procedure in detail. You'll then be asked to give your consent, either electronically or on paper. The study involvement starts before your gallbladder surgery, with some initial assessments.

During your gallbladder surgery, if you've agreed to the study, the surgeon will also remove your fallopian tubes. A research coordinator will be present or nearby to record information, such as how long this extra step takes. After your surgery, you'll have follow-up for about 30 days after you leave the hospital, allowing the researchers to check on your recovery and any side effects. Your age and other health information will be carefully matched with a similar patient who had gallbladder surgery but not the fallopian tube removal, to compare outcomes.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the potential benefit of reducing your risk of developing a specific and serious type of ovarian cancer. As with any surgery, there are always some risks involved, including the slim chance of complications from extending the surgery slightly to remove the fallopian tubes. While the researchers believe this extra step is safe, they will be closely monitoring for any potential issues. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

Langley Memorial Hospital
Verified postcode
Langley, Canada
Vancouver General Hospital (VGH)
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada
Hamilton Health Sciences Center
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada

Common questions

What is 'opportunistic salpingectomy'?

It means removing the fallopian tubes during another surgery you're already having, like gallbladder removal, to help prevent ovarian cancer.

Why is this being done during gallbladder surgery?

The goal is to use an existing abdominal surgery appointment to offer an extra step that could prevent ovarian cancer, reaching more women.

Will this add a lot of extra time to my surgery?

The researchers expect it might add an extra 10-20 minutes to the total operating time.

Can I still have children after this procedure?

No, if you have your fallopian tubes removed, you will no longer be able to become pregnant naturally.

Where is this study taking place?

This study is being conducted at hospitals in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada.

How to find out more

Gillian Hanley, PhD

gillian.hanley@ubc.ca 778-888-5822 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.