Hysterectomy in the mentally handicapped: An Abridged Version of the Statement Issued.

Abstract

Hysterectomy is major surgery with a mortality rate of 1-2 per 1000 operations and an even higher complication rate. There is a widespread misconception, even among doctors that removal of the uterus, without removal of the ovaries has little or no long-term health consequences for the woman. This is not true. 'Operative Gynecology' by Telinde and a number of gynecologies, books state that 3-5 % of all women undergoing hysterectomy may need a second operation - the removal of their ovaries.