[Subtotal hysterectomy: evolving concepts with implications for practice]

The advantages and drawbacks of total and sub-total hysterectomy remain a topic of debate. Our study reviews the literature concerning recent comparative and prospective studies regarding the options of total and subtotal hysterectomy.

Subtotal hysterectomy may be useful in preventing severe complications when total hysterectomy is technically difficult. Furthermore, conservation of the uterine cervix may decrease vaginal erosion in genital prolapse repair when synthetic meshes are used. The type of technique does not appear to determine the persistence or development of problems related to sexual activity (frequency of intercourse, sexual desire, and achievement of orgasm). There are no apparent advantages to subtotal hysterectomy compared with total hysterectomy with respect to bowel or bladder function. Some women (5-20%) who had the subtotal procedure continued to have genital bleeding, although this can be avoided with endocervical electro-coagulation or resection. Cervical stump prolapse is uncommon (1.5-2%), 12 months after subtotal hysterectomy. The risk of carcinoma of the cervical stump is low, and treatment results are similar in both patients with carcinoma of the cervical stump and in patients with carcinoma of the intact uterus.

When subtotal hysterectomy is necessary, it can be performed with a low rate of long term complications. Furthermore, for women undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease, it should be reasonable to discuss advantages and drawbacks of both procedures and offer a choice. Nevertheless, sub-total hysterectomy should be avoided in populations with restricted access to screening programs for cancer of the uterine cervix.