Hysterectomy-the patient's view: a survey of outcomes of hysterectomy in a district general hospital

Abstract

Debate continues on the preferred method of hysterectomy, usually focusing on economic implications and details such as length of inpatient stay and time to return to work. However, little published data exists on patients' level of satisfaction with hysterectomy. We performed a retrospective survey of patients' views after different methods of hysterectomy. Patients were asked about discharge timing after operation, success or failure in relieving their symptoms, the presence of any new symptoms, and overall satisfaction. Six hundred and fifty-three patients were identified. The questionnaire response rate was 82.5%. As noted by other authors there was a difference in the rate of return to normal activity, depending on the method of hysterectomy. Significantly a proportion of patients felt discharge was too early. There was no difference in overall satisfaction rates or in the incidence of new problems between methods. Overall, patients were highly satisfied with the outcome after hysterectomy with no method being superior.