SEXUALITY AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC-ASSISTED VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY

Study Objective. The aim of the study is to assess the degree of satis faction of patients with their operation comparing laparoscopic-assist ed vaginal hysterectomies (LAVH) with the data available in the litera ture. Design. A questionnaire was sent to the patients approximately e ight months after their operation (a minimum of six and a maximum of 2 4 months). The questionnaire was conceived to assess conflicting state ments and to obtain objective data. Setting. All the operations were p erformed at the Jan Palfijin General Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium. Inter ventions. Between January 1991 and December 1993, 116 LAVHs were perfo rmed. Measurements and Main Results. Fifty-three questionnaires were r eturned. From the patients returning their questionnaires, 98% prefer LAVH over abdominal hysterectomy because of the cosmetic results. Conc lusions. The psychological and sexual reactions are determined solely by the patients' individual enlightenment.