International Digest

Psychological outcomes of hysterectomy

Canadian Medical Association Journal 1996; 155: 429

Source: Alexander DA, Naji AA, Pinion SB, Mollison J, Kitchener HC, Parkin DE, et al. Randomised trial comparing hysterectomy with endometrial ablation for dysfunctional uterine bleeding: psychiatric and psychosocial aspects. BMJ 1996; 312: 280-4.

Researchers in Scotland assessed psychiatric and psychosocial outcomes in 204 women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding requiring surgery who were randomly assigned to undergo hysterectomy or more conservative hysteroscopic surgery (endometrial resection or laser ablation). After surgery both groups showed significant reductions in the anxiety and depression present before surgery. At 12 months there were no significant differences in anxiety and depression between the groups. The two groups also did not differ with respect to sexual functioning, marital and family relationships, psychological distress and social activities. Similar numbers in both groups reported lowered and increased sexual interest. The researchers concluded that hysterectomy and conservative surgery are similar and satisfactory in terms of their psychiatric and psychosocial outcomes.

| CMAJ August 15, 1996 (vol 155, no 4) |