Assessment of complications and outcome of ascending vaginal hysterectomy

Abstract

To describe the post-operative complications and outcome of Ascending Vaginal Hysterectomy (AVH) for benign diseases with uterus size 14 weeks size. Design: non - comparative observational study. The study was done at Gynecology ward (ward ) of De Soysa hospital for women, Colombo. Fifty three patients who underwent A VH for benign diseases from May 2007 to April 2008. Patient questionnaire was completed pre-operatively and post-operatively after 10 days and 3 months. The principle presentations were heavy periods, secondary dysmenorrhoea, irregular bleeding and pressure symptoms. The symptoms were severe enough to have a considerable impact on lifestyle. Otherwise women were in good health. The commonest indication is was dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Others were adenomyosis, fibroids and chronic pelvic pain. During the first ten postoperative days, the women experienced a reduction in their ability to perform activities of daily living. There were minimal major complications. By three months, the principle symptoms had resolved. There was significant improvement in urinary function, psychological health, activities of daily living and sexual enjoyment. These changes had met the pre-operative expectations of majority of the patients. Most women reported good benefits from A VH. However patients should be counseled about early, transient adverse effects. These findings can be served as a benchmark for a multicentre study