子宫全切除术后发生输卵管脱垂的临床分析

目的探讨子宫全切除术后输卵管脱垂的诊断、处理及预防措施。方法收集1983年1月至2005年8月行各类子宫全切除术7949例患者的资料,其中行开腹子宫全切除术6229例,行阴式子宫全切除术780例,行腹腔镜辅助阴式子宫全切除术940例。结果手术后共发生阴道残端输卵管脱垂9例,发生率为0．11％（9／7949）。其中开腹子宫全切除术后发生5例,发生率为0．08％（5／6229）;阴式子宫全切除术后发生4例,发生率为0．51％（4／780）;腹腔镜辅助阴式子宫全切除术后无一例发生输卵管脱垂。9例患者子宫全切除术后均放置了阴道引流管,其中5例子宫切除后未行阴道残端腹膜化处理。9例患者中,3例无任何症状;6例有症状的患者中,1例出现左侧腰背部痛,5例出现阴道排液。妇科检查,3例阴道残端发现输卵管伞端,6例阴道残端可见类似肉芽样组织。9例患者均经阴道切除,局部烧灼脱垂的输卵管,切除组织经病理检查证实均为输卵管组织。之后随诊1-59个月无异常发现。结论输卵管脱垂是子宫全切除术后的一种少见并发症,输卵管脱垂一般发生于子宫全切除术后放置阴道引流管的患者,经正确的诊断和治疗预后良好。行子宫全切除术时,应将附件固定在骨盆侧壁或行输卵管切除。     

Fallopian tube prolapse after hysterectomy. A report of two cases

Two patients were treated for fallopian tube prolapse after abdominal hysterectomy. This rare complication is usually seen after vaginal hysterectomy. Our patients presented with a profuse, blood-tinged vaginal discharge and lower abdominal pain two and three months after hysterectomy. The tender, fimbriated end of the fallopian tube must be distinguished from common cuff granulation tissue, one patient underwent painful cautery treatments for over a year before the correct diagnosis was made. Biopsy of the prolapsed tissue in both cases failed to provide the correct diagnosis. In cases reported on previously, repair of the prolapsed tube usually was accomplished transvaginally, but in one of our patients laparotomy was required to control bleeding from the retracted proximal tube. The other patient had her prolapsed tube diagnosed and resected laparoscopically. This technique, described in detail, has the advantage of avoiding more-extensive surgery in selected cases.     

Challenging generally accepted contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: A number of preexisting clinical conditions are generally accepted as contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of this concept. STUDY DESIGN: The study vaginal hysterectomy group consisted of 250 consecutive patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. These patients (1) had a large uterus (>180 g), (2) either were nulliparous or had no previous vaginal delivery, or (3) had a previous cesarean delivery or pelvic laparotomy. Three control groups used for comparison underwent (1) laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, (2) vaginal hysterectomy, or (3) abdominal hysterectomy. The records for all patients were analyzed for age, weight, parity, primary diagnosis, uterine size, operative time, blood loss, analgesia, hospital stay, resumption of diet, incidence of morcellation, and surgical complications. Sample size calculations were based on previous studies of complications associated with vaginal hysterectomy (alpha =.05; beta =.20). RESULTS: Hysterectomy was successfully completed by the intended vaginal route in all study patients. Major and minor complications (3.2%) were significantly less (P <.001) than in the other groups as follows: vaginal hysterectomy, 10.4%; laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, 11.6%; and abdominal hysterectomy, 13.6%. The decrease in hematocrit was 5.7% in the study vaginal hysterectomy group compared with 6.2% for vaginal hysterectomy, 6.5% for abdominal hysterectomy (P =.009), and 6.6% for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (P =.002). Hospital stay was shorter for the study group (2.1 days) than for vaginal hysterectomy (2.3 days; P <.001) and abdominal hysterectomy (2.7 days; P <.001). Operative time was shorter in the study vaginal hysterectomy group (49 minutes) than with laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (76 minutes; P <.001) or abdominal hysterectomy (61 minutes; P <.001), although morcellation was carried out more frequently in the study group (34%) than with vaginal hysterectomy (4%) or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (11%). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that a large uterus, nulliparity, previous cesarean delivery, and pelvic laparotomy rarely constitute contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy.     

Use of MRI for evaluation of retained uterine fundus mimicking a pelvic mass

Increased use of less invasive hysterectomy techniques requires awareness of the unique potential complications they pose in patients with continued symptoms after surgery. Retained uterine fundus is rare after vaginal hysterectomy; only 2 other cases have been reported in the English literature. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was not used preoperatively in either case. However, imaging evaluation, in particular with MRI because of its superior soft tissue resolution, can be helpful in suggesting the diagnosis. Herein is presented the case of a 40-year-old woman who had undergone vaginal hysterectomy several years previously, but was experiencing abdominal pain. MRI was performed, which revealed a supravesical mass. Visualization at MRI of intact round ligaments arising from the mass favored the diagnosis of retained uterine fundus and confirmed after surgical excision.     

Vaginal evisceration after hysterectomy: a literature review

The purpose of this review is to highlight the risk factors, clinical presentation, and different surgical management options for vaginal evisceration after vaginal, abdominal, or laparoscopic hysterectomy. We identified all reports of vaginal evisceration after these procedures using sources in the literature from 1900 to the present. We found that a total of 59 patients were reported, 37 (63%) had a prior vaginal hysterectomy, 19 (32%) had a prior abdominal hysterectomy (2 of which were radical hysterectomy), and 3 (5%) had a prior laparoscopic hysterectomy. The majority of these patients were postmenopausal women. Also, the precipitating event was most often sexual intercourse in premenopausal patients and increased intra-abdominal pressure in postmenopausal patients. In addition, the small bowel was the most common organ to eviscerate. Most of the patients presented with vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or a protruding mass. We conclude that vaginal evisceration after hysterectomy remains a rare event. It is more often seen after vaginal hysterectomy than after other types of hysterectomy. It can also occur spontaneously or following trauma or vaginal instrumentation, or any event that increases intra-abdominal pressure. Vaginal evisceration represents a surgical emergency, and the approach to therapy for it may be abdominal, vaginal or a combination of the two.     

Vaginal hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy for treatment of endometrial cancer in the elderly

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy for treatment of endometrial cancer in elderly patients. METHODS: In a retrospective series of 171 patients with age > or =70 years and at stages I-III, we evaluated operative and hospitalization data, as well as morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival associated with vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy. A total of 128 patients were operated on with vaginal hysterectomy and 43 cases underwent abdominal hysterectomy. RESULTS: Medically compromised patients were significantly more frequent in the vaginal surgery group (P = 0.01). Overall, the 10-year disease-specific survival rates after vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy were 80% and 78%, respectively (P = n.s.). Limiting the analysis to stage I (130 patients), 10-year disease-specific survival was 83% in 95 women operated on by the vaginal route and 84% in 35 patients operated by the abdominal approach (P = n.s.). Patients in the vaginal surgery group had a significantly shorter operative time (P = 0.01), less blood loss (P < 0.05), and were discharged earlier (P < 0.05). Severe complications occurred in 5.4% of the vaginal and in 7.0% of the abdominal procedures. Perioperative mortality was zero after vaginal hysterectomy and 2.3% after abdominal hysterectomy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal hysterectomy showed a high cure rate, shorter operative time, less blood loss, reduced morbidity, and no mortality and therefore may be considered the elective approach for treatment of elderly patients with endometrial cancer.     

Comparison of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with traditional hysterectomy for cost-effectiveness to employers

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy to traditional total abdominal hysterectomy and total vaginal hysterectomy with regard not only to direct hospital costs but also to indirect costs. STUDY DESIGN: This was a combined retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2) that was conducted in a suburban private practice. The cases of 268 patients who underwent hysterectomies over a 27-month period were analyzed to include clinical outcomes, direct hospital costs, and indirect costs (time to return to normal function, time to return to work, and time away from work required by other family members). RESULTS: For all patients, length of hospital stay and time of return to normal function were shorter for laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy than for total abdominal hysterectomy and total vaginal hysterectomy. For working patients, time to return to work and time off for working family members were all significantly shorter after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy when compared with both total abdominal hysterectomy and total vaginal hysterectomy. Operating times were similar for total abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and complications were greater for total abdominal hysterectomy. In a comparison of all procedures, direct hospital costs were greatest for laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and least for total vaginal hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: For most patients, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy provides a minimally invasive way to accomplish a hysterectomy with a lower cost to employers (payers) on the basis of lost work hours.     

宫颈癌阴式广泛性子宫切除术后下尿路功能的研究

目的通过对宫颈癌患者接受阴式广泛全子宫切除手术前后的下尿路功能进行检查,探讨尿动力力学检查的价值。方法 50例ⅠA2～ⅡA期宫颈癌患者在宫颈癌根治术前及术后接受尿动力学检检查,包括充盈性膀胱测压和压力流率同步测定。结果阴式广泛全子宫切除患者术前、术后的尿动力学检查结果比较有明显变化。术后平均尿流率、最大尿流率、排尿量、膀胱顺应性、最大尿流率时逼尿肌压明显下降。而膀胱初始尿意容量、最大膀胱容量、残余尿量明显高于术前。术后平均尿流时间比术前延长。术后3个月下尿路功能明显改善。结论宫颈癌根治术后患者的下尿路功能改变明显,尿动力学检查对术后下尿路功能障碍的诊断及指导治疗有重要义。     

阴道上皮内瘤变28例临床分析

目的: 探讨阴道上皮内瘤变(VAIN)的临床特点、危险因素、诊治及预后。方法: 回顾性分析北京协和医院2005-2011年住院收治VAIN病例28例临床资料。其中VAINⅡ7例,VAINⅢ21例。结果: 患者年龄29～76岁(中位年龄48岁)。绝经21例(75%)。26例(93%)无临床症状。25例(89%)病变位于阴道顶端。27例进行超薄液基细胞学涂片(TCT)检查异常。23例人乳头瘤病毒(HPV)检测阳性。15例有子宫切除术史,其中因宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN)和宫颈癌切除子宫10例。子宫切除术后至诊断VAIN时间：宫颈疾病平均3.1年,非宫颈疾病8.8年。不同级别VAIN在年龄、子宫切除原因、目前及既往合并宫颈疾病、TCT结果差异无统计学意义。28例全部进行手术治疗,3例术后复发。结论: HPV病毒感染、宫颈病变、宫颈病变或宫颈癌行子宫切除术史是VAIN的危险因素;细胞学-阴道镜-组织病理学适用于VAIN的诊断及随诊;宫颈病变切除子宫治疗后应密切随访,尤其是术后3年内应警惕VAIN。　　     

Vaginal cancer in a patient treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 3): case report

In 1% to 3% of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) will either coexist or occur at a later date. The time interval from an earlier diagnosis of CIN 3 to a current diagnosis of VAIN 3 varies from two to 17 years. Invasive vaginal cancer occurred in a woman five years after total abdominal hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. In women who have undergone total hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cervical cancer, postoperative cytologic and colposcopic follow-up of the vagina is necessary.     

A randomized study of total abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate operative time, blood loss and inflammatory response in patients submitted to hysterectomy. METHODS: Sixty patients referred for hysterectomy were prospectively randomized to total abdominal hysterectomy (n=20), vaginal hysterectomy (n=20), or laparoscopic hysterectomy (n=20). The operative time, blood loss (variation in erythrocyte and hemoglobin) and inflammatory answer (CRP and interleukin-6 dosages) were compared by using Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn non-parametric test and variance analysis with repeated measurements. RESULTS: Operative time was shorter for vaginal hysterectomy, and there was no significant difference between total abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy. Reduction in erythrocyte and hemoglobin was more noticeable after vaginal hysterectomy, followed by total abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy. CRP levels increased steadily from vaginal hysterectomy to laparoscopic hysterectomy and then to total abdominal hysterectomy. The increase in interleukin-6 was substantially higher in total abdominal hysterectomy, whereas no difference was noted between vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal hysterectomy presents superior results in terms of operative time and inflammatory response when compared with total abdominal and laparoscopic hysterectomy and it should be the first option for hysterectomy. Laparoscopic hysterectomy should be considered when the vaginal approach is unfeasible, showing clear advantages over abdominal hysterectomy.     

Risk factors for vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy

Objective

To identify risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and their influence on the occurrence of vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy.

Methods

Medical records from 2 groups of women who had undergone hysterectomy were reviewed retrospectively. The study group was 82 women who had undergone surgery for vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy; the control group was 124 women who had undergone hysterectomy with no diagnosis of vaginal prolapse by the time of the study. All hysterectomy procedures had been performed for benign gynecological disease, including POP. Both groups of women completed a self-administered questionnaire to obtain additional information on the occurrence of POP.

Results

The incidence of vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy was significantly higher in women with a higher number of vaginal deliveries, more difficult deliveries, fewer cesareans, complications after hysterectomy, heavy physical work, neurological disease, hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse, and/or a family history of pelvic organ prolapse. Premenopausal women had vaginal prolapse corrected an average of 16 years after hysterectomy, and postmenopausal women 7 years post hysterectomy.

Conclusion

Before deciding on hysterectomy as the approach to treat a woman with pelvic floor dysfunction, the surgeon should evaluate these risk factors and discuss them with the patient.     

Prevention of vaginal recurrence of stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma with postoperative vaginal radiation

From 1975 to 1982 a prospective study was conducted at Roswell Park in 68 patients (group 1) for surgical stage I endometrial cancer, grade 1 or 2, and less than 50% myometrial invasion. These patients were treated by total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and postoperative vaginal radium. With median follow-up of 4.8 years, there has not been a single vaginal recurrence. This treatment plan was based on a prospective study at the same institute from 1958 to 1967, which compared patients with stage I endometrial cancer treated by hysterectomy alone, preoperative radium followed by hysterectomy, and hysterectomy followed by postoperative radium. In addition, 19 patients (group 2) were evaluated as to their initial treatment after their referral to Roswell Park with vaginal recurrence after surgical treatment for stage I endometrial cancer. None of these patients were treated initially with postoperative vaginal radium after hysterectomy. Based on the zero incidence of vaginal recurrence in 117 patients with FIGO stage I endometrial cancer, the estimated five-year survival rate of 97.2% for the group 1 patients, and the actuarial five-year survival of 95% in the 1958 to 1967 prospective study, it is concluded that primary surgery should be followed by postoperative vaginal radium (cesium) in those patients with stage I endometrial cancer, grade 1 or 2, with less than 50% myometrial invasion.     

The management of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia after hysterectomy

Twenty-three patients with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN) presented between 6 months and 13 years after hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. All were discovered by cytological follow-up, were colposcopically assessed and diagnosis confirmed by histological examination before treatment. The CO2 laser was used as the initial treatment in 14, but only six remain free of disease after mean follow-up of 30 months. The reasons for the disappointing results with this form of therapy are discussed and it is suggested that its use may be inappropriate in the management of VaIN following hysterectomy as atypical epithelium may frequently be inaccessible as a result of being sequestered above the vault suture line or hidden in the recesses of the angles of the vaginal vault.     

The Residual Adnexa Syndrome

Summary: The clinical profile of a group of 208 women who presented with residual adnexal disease subsequent to hysterectomy was studied retrospectively; 121 patients had the uterus removed vaginally and 87 per abdomen. The majority of the patients had the hysterectomy at less than 40 years of age, with a mean and median age of 33 years, and more than 60% presented with adnexal symptoms and signs within 5 years of hysterectomy. A detailed analysis of the symptoms and signs and pathology of the removed uterus in both groups was similar although as expected there was an associated finding of prolapse in a significant number of those treated by vaginal hysterectomy. There were significant delays both in the definitive diagnosis of subsequent residual adnexal disease and definitive treatment. The pathological changes in the removed residual adnexa were varied, but with a high incidence of inflammatory changes involving both the tube and ovary. This was particularly evident in those patients in whom the uterus had been removed by the vaginal route, suggesting that this may be related to the usual fixation or approximation of the conserved tube to the vaginal vault at the time of vaginal hysterectomy.     

Randomized comparison of laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with standard vaginal hysterectomy in an outpatient setting.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outpatient laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with standard outpatient vaginal hysterectomy. METHODS: Fifty-six women scheduled for vaginal hysterectomy were randomly assigned to undergo either a laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with endoscopic staples (N = 29) or a standard vaginal hysterectomy (N = 27). There were no differences between the study groups with regard to age, gravidity, parity, preoperative indications, and previous operations. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 29 laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomies and all 27 vaginal hysterectomies were completed without incident. When indicated, unilateral or bilateral oophorectomies were completed. The mean operating time was significantly longer for laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (120.1 versus 64.7 minutes). Fifty-three of the 55 patients completing surgery were discharged home by 12 hours from the time of admission. Complications with laparoscopic hysterectomy were related to the technical aspects of laparoscopy. The incidence of febrile morbidity was similar in the groups. Although patients having laparoscopy-assisted hysterectomy required statistically significantly more pain medication and had lower postoperative hematocrit measurements, this did not make a clinical difference in the postoperative courses. The mean hospital charge for laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy was $7905 and for vaginal hysterectomy $4891. CONCLUSION: Other than cost, laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and standard vaginal hysterectomy appear comparable in patients who could otherwise undergo a vaginal hysterectomy.     

Incidence and patient characteristics of vaginal cuff dehiscence after different modes of hysterectomies

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to estimate and compare the incidence of vaginal cuff dehiscence after different modes of hysterectomies (abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal and laparoscopic) and to review the characteristics of hysterectomies complicated by vaginal dehiscences. DESIGN: Observational case series (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: Large, urban, university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing a total hysterectomy or vaginal dehiscence repair at Magee-Womens Hospital (MWH) from January 2000 through March 2006 were analyzed. INTERVENTIONS: Vaginal repair of vaginal cuff separation with reduction of eviscerating organ when appropriate. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From January 2000 through March 2006, 7286 hysterectomies (7039 total and 247 supracervical) were performed at MWH by abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal, or laparoscopic approach. Ten of these hysterectomies were complicated by vaginal cuff dehiscences and were repaired during this time period. The resulting overall cumulative incidence of vaginal cuff dehiscence after total hysterectomy at MWH was 0.14%. The annual cumulative incidence of vaginal dehiscences after total hysterectomy was 0%, 0%, 0%, 0%, 0.09%, 0.70%, and 0.31% from January 2000 to March 2006, respectively. There was a notable increase in the cumulative incidence of dehiscence in 2005 and thereafter. From January 2005 through March 2006, the cumulative incidence of vaginal dehiscence by mode of hysterectomy was 4.93% among total laparoscopic hysterectomies (TLH), 0.29% among total vaginal hysterectomies (TVH), and 0.12% among total abdominal hysterectomies (TAH). The relative risks of a vaginal cuff dehiscence complication after TLH compared with TVH and TAH were 21.0 and 53.2, respectively. Both were statistically significant, with 95% CIs of 2.6 to 166.9 and 6.7 to 423.4, respectively. Among the 10 dehiscences repaired, 8 (80%) were complications of TLHs, 1 (10%) was associated with TAH, and 1 (10%) followed a TVH. The median age at time of dehiscence was 39 years, and the median time between initial hysterectomy to vaginal dehiscence was 11 weeks. Six of the 10 patients presented with both cuff dehiscence and bowel evisceration. Six patients reported first postoperative intercourse as the trigger event. Half the patients with dehiscence report smoking cigarettes. All patients with dehiscence received preoperative prophylactic antibiotics at the time of hysterectomy. Until October 2006, there have been no reported recurrent dehiscences at MWH. CONCLUSIONS: Total laparoscopic hysterectomies may be associated with an increased risk of vaginal cuff dehiscence compared with other modes of total hysterectomy. We postulate that the use of thermal energy in addition to other factors unique to laparoscopic surgery may be responsible; however, prospective randomized trials are needed to support this hypothesis. When performing laparoscopic hysterectomies, a supracervical approach should be considered unless a clear indication for a TLH is present.     

Long term complications of vaginal hysterectomy: a case control study

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the long term sequelae after vaginal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case control study to evaluate the long term complications after vaginal hysterectomy compared with control patients who had during the same period undergone cholecystectomy for benign pathology. Excluded were hysterectomies during which adnexectomy or treatment of prolapse, stress incontinence or genital cancer was also effected. We selected 221 patients who had undergone simple vaginal hysterectomy and 232 where cholecystectomy had been performed. The questionnaire listed 149 questions that dealt with matching characteristics and queries relating to symptoms. RESULTS: 117 questionnaires suitable for analysis were received from the patients in the hysterectomy group and 95 from the cholecystectomy group. After the matching process 61 patients who had a simple vaginal hysterectomy and 58 who had undergone cholecystectomy were selected. After simple vaginal hysterectomy there was a significant worsening of all urinary problems, of digestive problems and sexual intercourse. After cholecystectomy there is also an increase in the severity of most symptoms surveyed. CONCLUSION: Many long-term complications following hysterectomy cannot be attributed to the intervention. Vaginal hysterectomy should not be considered as being responsible for major complications appearing during the first 4 years of follow-up.     

Risk of urge and stress urinary incontinence at long-term follow-up after vaginal hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of urinary symptoms at long-term follow-up after vaginal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred seventeen patients who had a vaginal hysterectomy for menorrhagia from January 1991 to December 2001 answered a self-report questionnaire about de novo urinary symptoms. The control group was a population of 116 patients who had a conservative treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding by endometrial thermocoagulation from January 1994 to December 2001. RESULTS: Patient characteristics (mean age, mean parity, menopausal status, smoking status, drink habits) were similar in the 2 groups. Mean follow-up was 4.6+/-2.2 years (range, 1.5-11 years) after vaginal hysterectomy and 4+/-1.8 years (range, 1.5-7 years) after conservative treatment. The prevalence of urinary symptoms, which included urge and stress incontinence, was statistically similar in the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: This study reveals no risk of urge or stress urinary incontinence at long-term follow-up after vaginal hysterectomy, compared with conservative treatment.