Clinical Report: Long-term Evaluation of Sexual Functioning Following Hysterectomy

Overview

This study evaluates sexual functioning in women after total versus subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy over a median follow-up of 98 months. No significant differences in sexual function between the two surgical methods were observed as measured by the FSFI questionnaire.

Background

Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure for benign conditions, with concerns about postoperative sexual dysfunction being prevalent among patients. The choice between total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy (LASH) may influence sexual outcomes, yet evidence regarding their long-term effects remains limited.

Data Highlights

No significant differences in sexual function scores were observed between TLH and LASH after long-term follow-up.

Key Findings

• No significant differences in FSFI total scores between TLH and LASH after a median follow-up of 98 months.
• A total of 92 patients were included in the original study, with 74 complete data sets available for long-term follow-up.
• The median follow-up period was 98 months for LASH and 92 months for TLH.
• Sexual function was assessed using the FSFI, with scores ranging from 2 to 36.
• A value below 26.55 on the FSFI indicates sexual dysfunction.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that both TLH and LASH may have similar long-term impacts on sexual function, which can inform patient counseling regarding surgical options. Clinicians should consider these results when discussing potential outcomes with patients undergoing hysterectomy.

Conclusion

The choice between total and subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy does not significantly affect sexual function outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
2. Choosing the Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Disease | ACOG
3. Subtotal versus total hysterectomy | Cochrane
4. Total Versus Sub-Total Hysterectomy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials - PubMed
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10. Choosing the Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Disease | ACOG
11. Subtotal versus total hysterectomy | Cochrane
12. Total Versus Sub-Total Hysterectomy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials - PubMed
13. Hysterectomy and sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis | The Journal of Sexual Medicine | Oxford Academic
14. Sexual functioning after total versus subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy-long term follow up results after 7 years - PubMed
15. Changes in Sexual Function After Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy in Reproductive-Aged Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - ScienceDirect
16. Sexual function and pelvic floor function five years after hysterectomy - Forsgren - 2025 - Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica - Wiley Online Library