Abstract:
Background: Hysterectomy is one of the most frequent gynecological surgeries performed on women and has been
associated with significant risk of morbidity, lower quality of life and poor health outcomes. Approximately 20-45%
of women will have a hysterectomy by the time they are between 60-70years of age. Hysterectomy has an effect on
the quality of life of the patient though not documented at MTRH.
Objective: To assess quality of life after hysterectomy for benign gynecologic conditions.
Methods: In this hospital-based prospective cohort study, 76 women admitted for elective hysterectomy for benign
conditions were systematically sampled and followed up for 6 months. Questionnaire was administered to obtain
patient demographics. European Quality of Life Five dimension scale (EQ-5D) and McCoy female sexuality
questionnaire (MFSQ) were administered to collect information on health status and sexual function before and
after hysterectomy. Health status was converted into a single score using time trade off (TTO) valuation. Wilcoxon
signed rank test was used to compare pre- and postoperative values.
Result: Mean age of hysterectomy was 45.2 years with standard deviation (SD) of 8.2. Majority 61 (81.3%) had
BMI range of 18.5-24.9, the mean parity was 4.0 with SD 2.4Mean EQ5D TTO score was 0.69 and 0.91 at baseline
and at 6 months respectively with significant change in mean at 6 months (p<0.001). Mean MFSQ score was
20.73 at baseline compared to 29.23 at 6 months with significant change in mean at 6 months (p<0.001). Age
was significantly associated with sexual function at 6 months especially sexual enjoyment (p=0.018) and natural
vaginal lubrication (p=0.025)
Conclusion: Majority of hysterectomies at MTRH were done on multipara women with normal BMI. There was
significant improvement in quality of life after hysterectomy at 6 months.
