OBJECTIVE:

To determine the prevalence of occult cancer in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 patients undergoing prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. To determine associated clinical or epidemiological factors. To evaluate surgical complications in surgeries performed via laparoscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Retrospective observational study conducted at the Gregorio Marañón hospital between 2012 and 2018. Review of prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomies performed in patients with confirmed BRCA1 and/or 2 mutations and not previously diagnosed with ovarian and/or fallopian cancer. Main variables: family history, age, body mass index, smoking habit, genetic mutation, previous abdominal surgeries, breast cancer, surgery date, surgical time, type of surgery, technique of the entrance to the abdominal cavity, surgical complications. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0.

RESULTS:

59 patients were included. The prevalence of occult cancer was 5/59. The average age (at the time of surgery) of patients diagnosed with occult cancer was 47.8 years. 43/59 had a history of breast cancer; in this group occult cancer was found in two patients. In the group with no history of breast cancer, frequency of occult cancer was 3/16. No statistically significant differences were found between both groups (p = 0.118). All patients diagnosed with occult cancer, except one, were smokers. The rate of intraoperative complications was 2/51 and 1/51 postoperative.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations are a group of high cancer risk that require specific monitoring and advice in specialized units of third level hospitals.