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.