The effect of hysterectomy on colonoscopy completion: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The primary aim of colonoscopy is a complete and thorough examination of the colon. There are a number of factors, however, that can potentially increase the difficulty of completing a colonoscopy. A significant proportion of women eligible for colorectal cancer screening have undergone hysterectomy. A history of hysterectomy is frequently considered to make colonoscopy more difficult, although there is no consensus in the literature.

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of hysterectomy on colonoscopy completion.

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database identified 6 eligible studies.

Studies that compared colonoscopy completion rates in women with a previous history of hysterectomy and women with no history of pelvic surgery were selected for review.

Meta-analysis was performed by using random-effects methods.

The primary outcome used was colonoscopy completion rate. The outcomes were calculated as odds ratio with 95% CI.

A total of 5947 patients were included in the final analysis. The average hysterectomy rate was 26.3% ± 14.5%. The colonoscopy completion rate was significantly reduced in patients with a history of hysterectomy compared with those with no history of pelvic surgery (87.1% vs 95.5%) (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.16-0.49; p < 0.001). Analysis of the funnel plot demonstrated nonsignificant across-study publication bias. There was significant across-study heterogeneity (Cochran Q, 19.6; p = 0.002).

The endoscopist's experience is poorly defined in some studies. Indication for colonoscopy was not provided in all cases. There is significant across-study heterogeneity.

Colonoscopy completion rates appear decreased in women with a history of hysterectomy, but the available literature is heterogenous. Further studies in this area are warranted.