Hysterectomy for gynaecological cancer: a follow-up study of subjective and objective outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate morbidity and subjective outcome associated with hysterectomy either with or without pelvic or pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy for gynaecological cancer.


METHODS
Ninety-nine patients who underwent hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (n = 38) or simple hysterectomy (n = 61) for ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer in Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland, were followed-up prospectively to determine the incidence of complications during a 1-year period after operation. Subjective outcomes were assessed using two questionnaires, 6 weeks and 1 year after operation. Hospital records of the patients were reviewed up to 6 years after operation.


RESULTS
During their hospital stay 58% of patients in the hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy group and 56% in the simple hysterectomy group experienced some type of complication. Serious complications occurred in four patients (10.5%) in the former group and in two patients (3.3%) in the latter group. In the study population overall, the incidence of subjective complaints increased from 18% of respondents 6 weeks after operation to 55% 1 year after operation. Most patients (95 and 92%, respectively) remained satisfied with the operation at both times of evaluation.


CONCLUSIONS
More than half of the patients experienced morbidity related to surgical treatment for gynaecological cancer. The incidence of complications and subjective complaints were unaffected by the type of operation.
Meltomaa
Seija S
SS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. seija.meltomaa@tyks.fi
Hietanen
Sakari H
SH
Taalikka
Mikko O
MO
Haarala
Mervi A
MA
Kiilholma
Pentti J A
PJ
Mäkinen
Juha I
JI
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D015994:Incidence; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome