[Defecation complaints after hysterectomy because of a benign condition are rare; a prospective study].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of defecation symptoms after hysterectomy.


METHODS
Prospective multicentre study, 3 year follow-up.


METHODS
404 patients from 13 teaching or non-teaching hospitals in The Netherlands, who underwent hysterectomy for benign disease other than symptomatic uterine prolapse or known endometriosis, were asked to complete the defecation distress inventory before and 3 years after surgery. The defecation distress inventory is a validated disease specific quality of life questionnaire for assessment of the presence and experienced inconvenience of defecation symptoms.


RESULTS
A response rate of 328/372 (88%) of 404 patients whose address could be recovered after 3 years was found. De novo constipation occurred in 2% of the patients following hysterectomy. Sensation of anal blockage and incomplete defecation occurred in more than 15% of the patients. Defecation symptoms reported before surgery had persisted in about half of the patients at 3 years after hysterectomy. A feeling of incomplete defecation at 3 years after hysterectomy was more common after subtotal hysterectomy than after total or vaginal hysterectomy (adjusted odds ratio: 2.1 (95% CI: 1.1-3.8) and 1.4 (95% CI: 0.7-2.7), respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Defecation symptoms seldom developed after hysterectomy for benign disease. The type of operation did not play a role.
Roovers
J P W R
JP
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, afd. Obstetrie en Gynaecologie, Utrecht. j.p.roovers@amc.uva.nl
Weenen
M
M
van der Bom
J G
JG
van der Vaart
C H
CH
D000328:Adult; D003248:Constipation / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies