Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2007 Aug;50(8):1148-1155.

The influence of body mass index on the prevalence of complications after hysterectomy: A comparison of prognosis of hysterectomy related to body mass index

• Kim DJ
• Moon JK
• Kim GH
• Song JE
• Park SH
• Jun HA
• Kim HB
• Lee KY

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between obesity and peri- or postoperative outcome after abdominal or vaginal hysterectomies for benign gynecologic disorder.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all women who underwent abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disorders in Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital between Jan and Dec, 2006. We analyzed the rate of operative and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, operative time, and perioperative hemoglobin change for abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy.
RESULTS
The study group consisted of 915 women, of who 643 underwent vaginal, and 272 abdominal hysterectomy. Obesity was related to longer operation time for vaginal hysterectomy only. No association was found between BMI and serious complications such as postoperative bleeding, transfusion, urinary tract injury, febrile morbidity, bowel injury, wound complication, ileus, infection.
CONCLUSION
Obesity is not a contraindication of vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy. Obese patients did not experience an increased risk of serious morbidity compared to normal weight women. Hysterectomy can be successfully performed, with acceptable morbidity, in obese women.

Keyword

Abdominal Hysterectomy; Vaginal hysterectomy; BMI; Postoperative complication; Obesity

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index*
Female
Heart
Hemorrhage
Humans
Hysterectomy*
Hysterectomy, Vaginal
Ileus
Length of Stay
Obesity
Operative Time
Postoperative Complications
Prevalence*
Prognosis*
Retrospective Studies
Urinary Tract
Wounds and Injuries