Long-term outcome of nonconservative surgery (hysterectomy) for endometriosis-associated pain in women < 30 years old

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect that a patient' s age at the time of hysterectomy for endometriosis-associated pain has on long-term improvement in symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: An investigation of women who underwent hysterectomy for pelv ic pain and endometriosis at <30 or >40 years of age was performed by means of medical records review and mailed questionnaires. Participants were ask ed to complete 2 standardized surveys, the Disruption of Functioning Index and the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: Sixteen women in the study group (<30 years old) and 27 women in t he control group returned completed questionnaires. Although similar propor tions reported overall alleviation of pain, the study group was significant ly more likely to report residual symptoms, such as dyspareunia and dysuria . This younger group also more often reported a sense of loss after hystere ctomy and reported more overall disruption in different aspects of life. CONCLUSION: Women who undergo hysterectomy for pelvic pain and endometriosi s at <30 years old are more likely than older women to have residual sympto ms, to report a sense of loss, and to report more disruption from pain in d ifferent aspects of their lives.