To determine effectiveness of abdominal hysterectomy versus non descent vaginal hysterectomy

Introduction: Hysterectomy is a very common surgery and can be performed by abdominal, vaginal or laparoscopic method though the abdominal route is more popular. Vaginal hysterectomy has distinct health and economic benefits. We designed this study to compare the outcomes in TAH and non-descent vaginal hysterectomy and to determine which route of hysterectomy is superior, safe and effective. Aims of the study: To determine the safety and effectiveness of abdominal hysterectomy versus non descent vaginal hysterectomy and to compare both in terms of duration of surgery, blood loss, intra operative complications, postoperative complications and duration of hospital stay. Materials and methods: This was a prospective, study done on total of 100 patients were divided randomly into two groups. One group underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and the other underwent vaginal hysterectomy. Both groups were compared for patient demographics, indications for surgery, size of uterus, duration of surgery, blood loss, need for blood transfusions, complications and duration of hospital stay. Results: Fibroid was the most common indication in both the groups. Most of the patients had 6 – 8 weeks size uterus. Mean intra operative blood loss in TAH group was slightly more than NDVH group. The need for blood transfusion was similar. The mean duration of surgery was 100.2 minutes in TAH group and 83 minutes in NDVH group. Fever was the most common complication in both groups. Abdominal wound infection and secondary suturing was seen in TAH group. The mean postoperative stay was 8.1 days in TAH group and 5.8 days in NDVH group. Conclusion: NDVH is associated with less duration of surgery, less blood loss, less postoperative stay than TAH. There was no difference between the need for blood transfusion between the two groups. Therefore, vaginal hysterectomy is safe and feasible in most of the women requiring hysterectomy for benign conditions and should therefore be attempted.