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Fatigue and physical function after hysterectomy measured by SF-36, ergometer, and dynamometer
Finn F Lauszus1, Ervin Kallfa2, Mogens R Madsen3
1Gynaecology Department, Herning Hospital, Gl. Landevej 61, 7400, Herning, Denmark. finlau@rm.dk.
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|January 6, 2016
Summary
Post-hysterectomy recovery shows reduced physical function despite improved strength. Fatigue returns to baseline, but quality of life remains impacted 30 days after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Surgical Recovery
Background:
- Limited data exists on early postoperative rehabilitation following hysterectomy.
- Understanding the time-related recovery of physical function and quality of life is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate perioperative modalities of fatigue, pain, quality of life, and physical performance after hysterectomy.
- To assess the time-related changes in these parameters during early postoperative recovery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up study of 108 women undergoing elective abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy.
- Assessed fatigue using visual analogue scale and SF-36; measured hand grip, knee extension strength, postural stability, work capacity, and lean body mass.
- Quality of life evaluated using SF-36, with examinations preoperatively and at 13 and 30 days postoperatively.
Main Results:
- Women experienced a loss of lean body mass 13 and 30 days post-hysterectomy.
- Hand and knee strength improved postoperatively, but postural stability and work capacity showed no significant change.
- Fatigue returned to preoperative levels by 30 days, yet SF-36 indicated persistent deficits in physical functioning and role limitations due to physical problems.
Conclusions:
- Hysterectomy is associated with a significant reduction in physical function, as measured by SF-36, persisting 30 days after surgery.
- Objective physical performance tests at 13 and 30 days did not reveal impairments, suggesting a discrepancy between subjective and objective measures of recovery.
