Patient satisfaction with results of hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to measure patient satisfactio n with the results of hysterectomy-nd to determine factors associated with dissatisfaction. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1299 women who underwent hysterectomy at 28 hospit als in Maryland were interviewed before and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the operation. RESULTS: At 12 and 24 months after the hysterectomy 95.8% and 96.0%, respec tively, reported that the hysterectomy had completely or mostly resolved th e problems or symptoms they had before surgery; 93.3% and 93.7%, respective ly, 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 wit h patient reports of negative outcomes was readmission because of a postdis charge complication. CONCLUSION: Postdischarge complication necessitating readmission plays an i mportant role in patient dissatisfaction with the results of hysterectomy.