[Convalescence recommendations after hysterectomy. A study of opinions among Danish physicians]

The aim of this study was to describe advice and restrictions given by Danish general practitioners (GPs) and gynaecologists to patients after uncomplicated hysterectomy.

Four hundred and ninety-one randomly selected GPs and 433 gynaecologists received a postal questionnaire in 1998/1999. The questions concerned the length of recommended sick leave, lifting restrictions, and time to resumption of seven defined common activities after hysterectomy. In addition, the gynaecologists were asked about the use of vaginal packaging, bladder catheters, and expected length of hospital stay.

The total response rate was 72%. GPs and gynaecologists recommended a median of 4 weeks (1-8 weeks) of convalescence after hysterectomy to patients, whose work did not involve heavy lifting, and a median of six weeks (2-12 weeks) to women, whose work did. Responses concerning the resumption of common activities showed considerable variation, for instance patients were advised to postpone sexual intercourse for a median of four weeks postoperatively (0-12 weeks). Lifting restrictions varied from lifting a maximum of 15 kg for two weeks to a maximum of 2 kg for 12 weeks.

A considerable variation was found in recommendations and regimens for hysterectomised patients. Evidence-based guidelines do not exist, and until these are available, the national and local boards of physicians need to agree on what restrictions should be given to patients.