Functional outcomes and satisfaction after abdominal hysterectomy

Objective: To compare urinary, lower gastrointestinal (GI), and sexual function and to describe patients' expectations and satisfaction before and after hysterectomy.Methods: Forty-three women completed questionnaires before and about 1 year after abdominal hysterectomy for benign gynecologic conditions. Symptoms related to urinary, lower GI, and sexual function were assessed. Women responded with "agree," "disagree," or "neutral" to statements about treatment options, the decision for hysterectomy, expectations about surgery and recovery, and satisfaction with their relationship with their doctor and their treatment. Comparisons were made between preoperative and postoperative responses. Statistical significance was accepted for P =.002 to account for multiple comparisons.Results: The mean age was 45.4 +/- 6.7 years. Sixty percent were white, and 88% were premenopausal. The most common indication for hysterectomy was myomas in 76%. There were no statistically significant changes in urinary or bowel symptoms before and after hysterectomy with preoperative symptoms resolving in some women after surgery, and developing in others. Fewer women experienced abdominal bloating after hysterectomy than before. Frequency of intercourse and satisfaction with their sexual relationship did not change in the 34 sexually active women. The level of satisfaction with their treatment and their relationship with their doctor was very high.Conclusion: Women experience a high degree of satisfaction with treatment 1 year after abdominal hysterectomy for benign gynecologic conditions. Symptoms related to urinary, GI, or sexual function occur frequently before and after surgery, but hysterectomy does not result in consistent changes.