Comparison of abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy. Study of complications.

BACKGROUND

To compare patent characteristics, diagnoses and complications associated with vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy in the last two decades.

STUDY DESIGN

From 1974 to 1994, 6,420 women were included in the study. Complications were classified in two categories: intraoperative and postoperative, and psychosexual complications.

RESULTS

Women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy experienced significantly fewer complications than women who had undergone abdominal hysterectomy. Vagina hysterectomy was associated with less febrile morbidity, bleeding requiring transfusion and convalescence than abdominal hysterectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Hysterectomy is highly effective for relief of symptoms associated with common non-malignant gynecologic conditions. There is a minimal risk of complications among women undergoing hysterectomy by the abdominal and vaginal route.