Patient satisfaction with results of hysterectomy.

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to measure patient satisfaction with the results of hysterectomy and to determine factors associated with dissatisfaction. A total of 1299 women who underwent hysterectomy at 28 hospitals in Maryland were interviewed before and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the operation. At 12 and 24 months after the hysterectomy 95.8% and 96.0%, respectively, reported that the hysterectomy had completely or mostly resolved the problems or symptoms they had before surgery; 93.3% and 93.7%, respectively, reported that the results were better than or about what they expected; 85.3% and 81. 6%, respectively, reported that their health was better than before the hysterectomy; and 87.9% and 93.1%, respectively, reported being totally recovered. The factor most strongly and consistently associated with patient reports of negative outcomes was readmission because of a postdischarge complication. Postdischarge complication necessitating readmission plays an important role in patient dissatisfaction with the results of hysterectomy.