[Condition and satisfaction of patients after gynecologic surgery]

The effects of gynaecological operations on the well-being and satisfaction of patients can be viewed as important supplements to quality assurance which is mainly based on clinical parameters and medical ratings. In the present study 215 patients undergoing gynaecological operations assessed different components of their subjective health status at times of admission to the hospital, at discharge and six weeks after discharge. Additionally, the patients gave satisfaction ratings at discharge. The study resulted in demonstrating considerable improvements of complaints and well-being that continued into the postdischarge period. The improvements were most pronounced in the cases of patients with vaginal hysterectomy. Satisfaction with the hospital department was high, especially with regard to the care given by the physicians and the nurses. After mastectomy, women expressed problems with their self-image and with their partners. Considerations to take the results of the study into account for quality assurance are discussed.