The purpose of this study was to find out subjective and objective outcomes of patients undergoing subtotal or total abdominal hysterectomy during a follow up of a mean 33 years after the operation. The hypothesis is that there are similar outcomes after both types of operations.

Objective: To evaluate ultra long-term follow-up after subtotal and total hysterectomy in patients operated on during 1978-1979 in Turku University Hospital, Finland.

Methods: From the original cohort of 212 patients 193 were sent a postal questionnaire in 1997 to find out possible symptoms related to hysterectomy. Again in 2011 a questionnaire based evaluation with a possibility of a clinical visit to study hospital was done for 153 patients. In the first evaluation a self-made questionnaire and in the second evaluation validated questionnaires were used. During a follow-up visit a clinical examination using also POP-Q-system was done. Additionally, hospital records of the patients were reviewed to find out subsequent operations after hysterectomy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• benign indication for hysterectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

• abnormal Pap smear

The study population included 212 patients operated on during February 1978 and May 1979 in Turku University Hospital. 107 women underwent subtotal and 105 women total abdominal hysterectomy.