Opportunistic salpingectomy at cesarean delivery in Japan: A questionnaire for registered physicians of the MFICU Liaison Council

Aim: A questionnaire survey was conducted to establish whether opportunistic salpingectomy has been performed at cesarean delivery or is intended in the future and also to clarify the steps taken to achieve the goal of performing opportunistic salpingectomy at cesarean delivery in Japan. Methods: We distributed anonymous questionnaires on opportunistic salpingectomy at cesarean delivery to registered physicians of the Maternal Fetal Intensive Care Unit Liaison Council of Japan using a mailing list in 2019. Answer sheets were returned by fax with an unscripted name. Results: Valid responses were obtained from 68 physicians; 28% (n = 19 / 68) performed opportunistic salpingectomy at cesarean delivery, while 16% (n = 8/49) hoped to conduct opportunistic salpingectomy in the future. Most of the physicians performing opportunistic salpingectomy (74%: n = 14/19) had conducted salpingectomy as one of the permanent surgical contraception procedures provided for by law without the approval of an Ethics Committee. Conclusions: Opportunistic salpingectomy at cesarean delivery to reduce the risk of ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal carcinoma in patients at average risk has not yet been widely practiced in Japan. Approximately 25% of physicians have performed opportunistic salpingectomy, 75% of whom conducted this procedure instead of tubal ligation for pregnant women who requested sterilization at cesarean delivery.