Effect of Total Abdominal Hysterectomy on Ovarian Blood Supply - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia

Purpose: to evaluate the effect of total abdominal hysterectomy on ovarian blood supply in women in reproductive age, using transvaginal color Doppler. Methods: a prospective study was carried out on 61 40-year-old or younger women. They were divided into two groups: G1, 31 patients submitted to hysterectomy, and G2, 30 normal women. Criteria of inclusion: normal ovarian function at baseline, normal body weight, without expasure to tobacco, no history of laparotomy or ovarian pathology. The pulsatility index (PI) of ovarian arteries determined by Doppler and the transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of the ovarian volume were performed at three moments: baseline, 6 and 12 months. Results: at baseline the groups were homogeneous. In the hysterectomized group, with 6 and 12 months, increase of the volume of the ovaries and decrease of PI (p<0,05) were observed. At the end of the study, 25.5% (8/31) of the hysterectomized patients presented benign ovarian cysts. In the control group no alteration of the parameters was observed. Conclusion: The decrease of PI by Doppler of ovarian arteries suggests increased ovarian blood supply after total abdominal hysterectomy in women in reproductive age.