A medical audit and patient survey of hysterectomies performed for menstrual disorders.
The aim of the study was to carry out an audit of 283 hysterectomies performed for menstrual disorders over a one year period, and to determine the satisfaction of the women concerned towards their treatment. The medical records of these patients were examined, and they were each sent a questionnaire, 69% of which were completed and returned. The most common presenting symptoms were menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea. In 53% of cases no clinical abnormality was postulated and in 31% of cases no pathological abnormality was found. The preoperative clinical and pathological diagnoses were in agreement for 59% of patients. Over 90% of women were satisfied with the management of their case by their GP and the gynaecology outpatient clinic. The use of patient-controlled analgesia systems was associated with better post-operative pain relief than intramuscular injections. Thirteen percent of patients required blood transfusion; 21% suffered some form of postoperative complication, most of which were minor. Ninety-four percent of the women were pleased that they had undergone hysterectomy, and 76% wished that they had had the operation sooner. It was concluded that hysterectomy is perceived positively by patients and should not necessarily be considered as a last resort treatment for menstrual disorders.
Roberts
R N
RN
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Edinburgh.
Norman
B P
BP
Harrison
C G
CG
Heaton
N R
NR
Law
J K
JK
Wadehra
V
V
Younger
H M
HM
West
C P
CP
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008485:Medical Audit; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012606:Scotland