A randomized trial comparing changes in psychological well-being and sexuality after laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate changes in psychological well-being and sexuality 1 year after laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-four women scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy due to benign disorders and assessed as not suitable for vaginal hysterectomy were randomized to abdominal hysterectomy (n = 38) or laparoscopic hysterectomy (n = 36). The Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) Index was used to evaluate changes in psychological well-being and the McCoy scale was used to evaluate changes in sexuality. The differences in outcome before and 1 year after the hysterectomy were calculated for each individual and the changes were compared within and between the two patient groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two patient groups with respect to changes in psychological well-being and sexuality 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study implies that psychological well-being and sexuality after hysterectomy are not influenced by surgical technique.

Patient accept questionnaires integrated in clinical routine: a study by the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery.

BACKGROUND: In 1996, the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery started to collect pre- and postoperative information on patients using questionnaires given out as part of routine medical care. The information is used in providing clinical care to the patient and for quality assessment. AIMS: To evaluate patients' acceptance of questionnaires as a means of collecting information, and to investigate whether the questionnaire is a suitable tool for follow-up of patients. METHODS: In 1998, evaluations of the ordinary questionnaires were done by an evaluation questionnaire mailed to 80 patients who had been recently hysterectomized. The results were triangulated with results from the register's database and data from interviews with physicians and secretaries. RESULTS: The majority of the patients appreciated the questionnaires. Patients did not report any major problems in filling in the questionnaires. Most problems were due to administrative errors of the departments. Up to 36% of the patients missed the scheduled follow-up visit 2 months after the operation. Two out of four departments regarded the follow-up visit necessary and requested by the patients. Out of 1226 patients followed up postoperatively by questionnaire, 75% stated that they did not need any medical care. Among physicians, some distrust of questionnaires was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The patients in this study preoperatively, and for short- and long-term follow-up, accepted the questionnaire as an instrument of data collection. Questionnaires provide a more complete collection of post-treatment information than follow-up visits do. A large number of unnecessary follow-up visits can be avoided through use of a questionnaire.