Fatigue and physical function after hysterectomy measured by SF-36, ergometer, and dynamometer

Information is limited on the early postoperative rehabilitation following hysterectomy. Our purpose was to evaluate the different perioperative modalities of fatigue, pain, quality of life, and physical performance and their time-related.

A prospective, follow-up study of a cohort of women undergoing abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy at the Gynecology Department at Herning Hospital, Denmark. Data from 108 women with elective hysterectomy were compared pre- and postoperatively. The fatigue level was scored on a visual analogue scale and SF-36. Objective measurements were performed by dynamometer of hand grip, knee extension strength, and postural stability; further, by ergometer cycle work capacity and by impedance lean body mass. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Patients were examined preoperatively and twice postoperatively.

Women lost lean body mass 13 and 30 days after their hysterectomy (p < 0.01). Strength in hand (p < 0.05) and knees (p < 0.01) increased compared to preoperative values but no change in postural stability and work capacity was noted. Fatigue resumed to preoperative levels after 30 days. SF-36 revealed that the modality of 'physical functioning' and 'role limitations due to physical problems' remained significantly decreased at the end of the study (p < 0.01) CONCLUSION: Hysterectomy was associated with reduction in physical function assessed by SF-36 30 days after surgery. No impairment of performance was found in physical tests at days 13 and 30 postoperatively.