[Psychological aspects of hysterectomy (author's transl)]

The effects of hysterectomy on social and psychological behavioural changes were evaluated in 88 patients who were examined psychologically and somatically preoperatively and for a period of 5 to 6 months postoperatively. All patients were aware of the surgical consequences and were investigated in regard to social history and by means of psychological tests (HAWIE, MMPI, Rorschach). The personality profiles of these patients fell within the normal range, although showing a tendency towards psychosomatic alteration, which, however, decreased significantly after the operation. Hysterectomy does not appear to produce any clear-cut changes in the attitude toward sexuality according to the findings of this study. Neither the age at which sexual maturity was reached, nor the intelligence level, number of children, age nor social class appeared to show any significant influence on the capacity to achieve orgasm or the frequency of intercourse. Only three patients showed transient postoperative depression, although this is frequently described in the literature; its aetiology is discussed. The therapeutic approach, especially in the field of surgical gynaecology, must encompass every aspect of medicine and appropriate explanations of the surgical consequences should be given to the patients to prevent postoperative psychological complications.