Outcomes of total versus subtotal abdominal hysterectomy

There is still controversy about the best technique for hysterectomy to reduce postoperative adverse effects. This randomized clinical study in Babol, Islamic Republic of Iran, compared some clinical complications and sexual functioning following subtotal (SAH) and total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). A total of 150 women (50 allocated to SAH and 100 to TAH) were followed up at 6 months postoperatively. Length of hospitalization was 4.40 (SD 1.90) days after SAH and 4.48 (SD 1.67) days after TAH. Haemoglobin level, postoperative fever, symptoms of dyspareunia and frequency of sexual intercourse were not significantly different between the 2 groups of women. SAH did not show any significant benefits over TAH.