Women's preference for laparoscopic or abdominal hysterectomy

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Surgical Innovation
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Hysterectomy is a common gynecological procedure with two main surgical approaches: abdominal hysterectomy (AH) and laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH).
• Understanding patient and healthcare provider preferences is crucial for optimizing surgical care and implementation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare patient and nurse preferences for laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) versus abdominal hysterectomy (AH).
• To identify key factors influencing the choice between LH and AH, particularly regarding complication avoidance.
• To assess the impact of detailed information on these preferences.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 43 women scheduled for hysterectomy and 39 nurses.
• Individual, structured interviews and questionnaires were used to evaluate preferences.
• Preferences were assessed before and after providing general and detailed information about both procedures.

Main Results:

• A significant majority of patients (84%) and nurses (74%) preferred LH over AH after initial information.
• This preference remained consistent even after receiving more detailed information or post-surgery.
• The primary driver for preference was the avoidance of complications, with women accepting a maximum 1% risk of major complications.

Conclusions:

• Both patients and nurses consistently favor LH over AH when presented with current evidence.
• The findings support the increased implementation of LH in clinical practice.
• There is a notable perception among patients that the major complication rate for hysterectomy is high, underscoring the importance of minimally invasive options.