HYSTERECTOMY - THE ANORECTAL PITFALL - A GUIDELINE FOR EVALUATION

Constipation following routine hysterectomy seems to occur more freque ntly than originally thought. Treatment depends on whether the patient is referred and to whom. Physical examination seems of limited value. Proper protocols for evaluation of complaints after hysterectomy are mandatory. Colonic transit studies and dynamic rectal examination coul d be useful. We found an overrepresentation of enteroceles in the hyst erectomy group. Management of these abnormalities seems much more comp licated than was previously thought. Prospective studies are needed to investigate anorectal disorders after hysterectomy.