A prospective study on the effects of total abdominal intrafascial hysterectomy for benign indications on patients’ pelvic floor functions

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of total abdominal intrafascial hysterectomy operations performed for benign indications on patients' pelvic floor functions at the 3 rd and 6 th months postoperatively. Materials and Methods:This study was conducted between May 2022 and November 2022 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Mula Stk Koman University Training and Research Hospital.A total of 50 patients who underwent total abdominal intrafascial hysterectomy for benign indications were included in the study.The patients were administered the pelvic floor distress inventory-20 (PFDI-20) which includes pelvic organ prolapse distress inventory-6 (POPDI-6), urinary distress inventory-6 (UDI-6) and colorectal-anal distress inventory-8 (CRADI-8) questionnaires both before the operation and at the 3 rd and 6 th months postoperatively.Results: In the study investigating the effects of the total abdominal intrafascial hysterectomy technique on the pelvic floor functions of the patients, there was a statistically significant decrease in the POPDI-6, CRADI-8, UDI-6, and PFDI-20 scores at the 3 rd month postoperatively compared to the preoperative period (p<0.001 for all).At the 6 th month postoperatively, there was also a statistically significant reduction in POPDI-6, CRADI-8, UDI-6, and PFDI-20 scores compared to the preoperative period (p<0.001,p=0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively).A significant positive correlation was found between patients' body mass index and PFDI-20 scores. Conclusion:After total abdominal hysterectomy operations performed using the intrafascial technique, a significant decrease in PFDI-20 scores was observed compared to preoperative scores.When hysterectomy operations are performed using the intrafascial technique, it preserves the pelvic floor functions due to the protective nature of the fascia, ligaments, muscles, and nerves.