A Study of the Effect of Changes in Ano-Rectal Function after Hysterectomy

Sunwoo, Jae Gun; Choi, Kyu Yeon; Kim, Min Kwan; Lee, Seul Ki; Bae, Dong Han; Lee, Mun Ho

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
It has been suggested that hysterectomy has a disturbing influence on bowel function, mainly constipation. We performed a prospective study to assess the changes of ano-rectal physiology after hysterectomy.
METHODS
Fourteen consecutive patients were assessed before and two months after hysterectomy. A detail questionnaire was devised to allow assessment of bowel function and ano-rectal pressure test and balloon expulsion test were performed before and after hysterectomy. The parameters measured in ano-rectal pressure test included the minimal sensible volume, ano-rectal resting pressure, maximal squeezing pressure, recto-anal inhibitory reflex and balloon expulsion test. Data analysis was carried out by paired t-test. Statistical significance was inferred when the p value was<0.05.
RESULTS
Among the fourteen patients, the straining in defecation was found in three patients after operation, other defication habits were not significantly changed after hysterectomy(P>0.05). There were no significant changes in ano-rectal pressure test after hysterectomy. The disturbance of balloon expulsion capacity was increased in four patients after hysterectomy(29%).
CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrate that hysterectomy does not cause a decrease in ano-rectal pressure and rectal sensitivity, but has an adverse effect on rectal expulsion capacity in a some of patients.