Abdominal vs vaginal hysterectomy: a comparative study of the postoperative quality of life and satisfaction

To compare the short-term results of the quality of life and satisfaction of patients submitted to total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and vaginal hysterectomy (VH) for benign uterine disease.

Women referred for hysterectomy for uterine myoma were randomized to TAH (n=30) or VH (n=30). The exclusion criteria were uterine prolapse, indication associated surgical procedures and uterine size > or =300 cm3. After a month, follow-up questionnaires had a response rate of 100%, and consisted of an interview with application of SF-36 questionnaire (functional capacity, physical aspect and pain) and evaluation of satisfaction rate.

There were no differences in the patients' mean age, parity, body mass index, preoperative hemoglobin levels and uterine size between groups. Lower postoperative quality-of-life scores were found in the TAH group when compared to the VH group in functional capacity (P=0.002), physical aspect (P=0.008) and pain (P=0.002). The general satisfaction rate with the surgery was similar in the two groups of patients (P=0.147). However, a higher rate of patients submitted to VH would choose the same therapeutic modality (65.5 vs 90%; P=0.021).

A better postoperative quality of life (functional capacity, physical aspect and pain) and higher satisfaction rate was found in the VH when compared to TAH.