Ovarian function following abdominal hysterectomy with and without unilateral oophorectomy

There is no consensus concerning optimal adnexal surgery during abdominal hysterectomy, when continued hormonal function is desired, associated with reduced sequelae in the future. The aim of the study was to compare residual ovarian function following abdominal hysterectomy with preservation of one or both ovaries, in a prospective randomized study. Forty patients were allocated randomly and sequentially into two groups: those undergoing abdominal hysterectomy with unilateral oophorectomy, and those undergoing abdominal hysterectomy only. Ovarian function was evaluated by measuring FSH, TLH and E2 before, and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the operation. Thirty-five percent of the patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy with unilateral oophorectomy demonstrated impaired ovarian function 6 months after the operation. None of the patients with both preserved ovaries showed impaired ovarian function 6 months later. Therefore, when continued ovarian function following abdominal hysterectomy is desired, preservation of both ovaries seems to be more beneficial.