Volume reduction of the uterus during and soon after hysterectomy

Gynecologists observe perceptible and variable reduction from uterine size in vivo to subsequent size in the pathology laboratory. To measure this decrease in uterine size, the thickness, breadth, and height of the corpus were measured four times: as soon as the abdomen had been opened, as soon as the uterine arteries had been ligated, as soon as the uterus was removed, and after 45 minutes in fixative. The cervical diameter and length were measured two times as soon as the uterus was removed and after 45 minutes in fixative. Reduction in volume varies from 20% to 64% in different specimens. Reduction in volume is greatest in women who have uterine hypertrophy and hypermenorrhea. It is least in postmenopausal women who have atrophic uteri.