Removal or preservation of ovaries during hysterectomy: a six year review.

During six years (1982-1987) in our Department 965 consecutive hysterectomies were performed: 583 abdominal and 260 vaginal hysterectomies performed for benign indications (total = 843) have been reviewed. Preservation of ovaries was chosen in 234 cases (27.8%), while 609 women had their ovaries removed (72.2%). Indications and choice of surgical procedure have shown more significant correlation with ovariectomy than different age groups and parity. Incidence of subsequent signs and symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis has been detected and compared between premenopausal patients who had oophorectomy and those who had not. In removed ovaries no undiagnosed malignant ovarian diseases were found.