Short-term recovery after subtotal and total abdominal hysterectomy--a randomised clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the day-by-day postoperative recovery differs between women undergoing subtotal and total abdominal hysterectomy, and to analyse factors associated with postoperative recovery and sick leave.


METHODS
A prospective, open, randomised multicentre trial.


METHODS
Seven hospitals and one private clinic in the south-east of Sweden.


METHODS
Two-hundred women scheduled for hysterectomy for benign conditions were enrolled in the study, and 178 women completed the study. Ninety-four women were randomised to subtotal abdominal hysterectomy; 84 women were randomised to total abdominal hysterectomy.


METHODS
The day-by-day recovery of general wellbeing was measured on a visual analogue scale in a diary 7 days preoperatively and 35 days postoperatively. Psychometric measurements included depression, anxiety and general psychological wellbeing.


METHODS
Effects of operating method and preoperative wellbeing on the day-by-day recovery and duration of sick leave.


RESULTS
No significant difference was found in the day-by-day recovery between operating methods. The day-by-day recovery of general wellbeing and duration of sick leave was strongly associated with the occurrence of minor complications, but not with major complications. The level of psychological wellbeing preoperatively was strongly associated with the day-by-day recovery of general wellbeing and duration of sick leave.


CONCLUSIONS
Day-by-day recovery of general wellbeing is no faster in subtotal versus total abdominal hysterectomy. Independent of operation method there is an interaction between preoperative psychological wellbeing, postoperative recovery of general wellbeing and the duration of sick leave. Postoperative complications and preoperative psychological wellbeing are strong determinants for the duration of sick leave. There is a need for intervention studies with a focus on complications and preoperative wellbeing.
Persson
P
P
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. par.persson@akademiska.se
Brynhildsen
J
J
Kjølhede
P
P
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003289:Convalescence; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors