Postoperative Pain after Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Vs. Vaginal Hysterectomy for Benign Gynecological Disorders

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is considered a safe surgical intervention that is frequently preferred instead of vaginal histerectomy due to its superior exposure ability and reduced postoperative complications. The aim of this paper is to evaluate postoperative pain after laparoscopic hysterectomy as compared to vaginal hysterectomy for benign gynecological pathologies. We conducted a prospective study over one year period that included patients who had hysterectomy for benign gynecological disorders. Pain was evaluated by questionnaires (immediately postoperative, on the first day, on the second day and 6 weeks after surgery) as well as by the level of analgesia administered to each patient. Within the study group, hysterectomies were performed laparoscopically and vaginally. Postoperative pain was lower in the group of laparoscopically operated patients than in vaginal operated group. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with a reduction of intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization length as well as postoperative pain.