The aim of this study was to determine whether hysterectomy for a benign indication can cause functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). A systematic review was completed with the studies, which used a prospective design and validated quality of life questionnaires. A search strategy using Medline and Embase allowed the relevant studies published between 1950 and October 2010 to be found. Meta-analyses were also performed using the studies, which had similar research objectives. The search revealed 29 potentially suitable articles, of which 5 used a prospective design and validated quality of life questionnaires. The meta-analyses showed that the type of hysterectomy (total or subtotal) did not have an impact on whether a patient is likely to develop gastrointestinal symptoms post-surgery. The prospective studies did not show that hysterectomy for a benign indication causes FGIDs. The belief that hysterectomy can cause gastrointestinal dysfunction is based on the results of retrospective studies.
Part of the book: Fertility-oriented Female Reproductive Surgery