Objective Despite the growing understanding of the carcinogenesis of high-grade serous ovarian
cancer and its precursor lesion serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), evidence
based proven recommendations on the clinical management of patients with STIC lesion
are lacking.
Material A questionnaire containing 23 multiple-choice questions was established to explore
the experience with STIC patients and the diagnostical, surgical and histopathological
approaches. 540 clinical directors of all German gynecological clinics were asked
to participate in April 2020. SPSS was used for statistical analysis.
Results 131 out of 540 (24.3%) questionnaires were included. Most of the responders (45.8%)
had treated one to three STIC patients so far. 76.0% of the participants perform opportunistic
bilateral salpingectomies during other gynecological surgeries. Most of the participants
(30.45%) started with the SEE-FIM protocol in 2017. It is used by 54.2% for prophylactic
salpingectomies, by 28.1% for both prophylactic and opportunistic salpingectomies
and by 17.7% for neither of both.
In premenopausal (postmenopausal) STIC patients the responders would perform a hysterectomy,
bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and affected side ovarectomy in 25.58% (54.65%), 24.42%
(88.37%) and 50.0% (4.65%), respectively (all p-values < 0.001). Omentectomy, pelvic
and para-aortic lymphadenectomy would be performed by 60.47% (63.95%), 9.30% (11.63%)
and 9.30% (11.63%) survey participants in premenopausal (postmenopausal) STIC patients
(all p-values >0.05). 58.8%, 2.4%, 37.6% of participants use the laparoscopic, transverse-
or longitudinal laparotomic approach, respectively.
Conclusion This survey highlights significant inconsistency in the management of patients with
STIC. Further studies are urgently warranted to elucidate the clinical impact and
management of a STIC lesion.
