Cost Analysis of Bilateral Salpingectomy Pathology for Women of Average Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Bilateral salpingectomy has gained traction as a preferred form of surgical sterilization over tubal ligation due to the potential reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer. This paper argues it is safe and economical for the physician performing the salpingectomy in patients with an average risk of ovarian cancer to use clinical judgement in deciding whether the specimen should undergo gross and histologic examination. Implementing this new strategy could help decrease medical expenditures concerning surgical pathology by an estimated $10,075,980. Reducing costs and unnecessary strain on healthcare resources will improve the efficiency of medical systems and the quality of care they provide. Keywords: Cost-effectiveness; Health economics; Gynecologic pathology; Surgical pathology; Bilateral salpingectomy; Sterilization; Ovarian cancer; Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma