Which parameters may influence the duration of hospitalization after vaginal hysterectomy?

To estimate the variables that may affect the duration of hospitalization after vaginal hysterectomy.

An 11-year retrospective analysis was performed on data derived from 197 patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy due to non-malignant pathology at a tertiary care center between January 2000 to November 2011.

The average age of the patients in our series was 60.9±11.1 with a duration of hospitalization of 11.6±6.1 days after vaginal hysterectomy. The grouping variables consisted of age, number of pregnancies, abortions, parities and the presence of intra or postoperative complications. Advanced age (>60), increased number of pregnancies (>5) and parities (>5) and occurrence of intra or postoperative complications were found to be correlated with the duration of hospitalization after vaginal hysterectomy. Categorical variables were analyzed by Pearson's chi square or the Fisher exact test. The Mann Whitney U test was used to compare groups, while the correlation of variables was assessed with the Spearman Correlation Analysis.

Vaginal hysterectomy is a safe and effective procedure. Advanced age, increased number of pregnancies and parities and occurrence of intra or postoperative complications may prolong the duration of hospitalization after surgery. Increased experience, careful surgical technique and adherence to aseptic principles may improve the cost-effectivity and decrease the duration of hospitalization.