What medical indications mandate hysterectomy

The differing opinions of 6 physicians about the validity and justification of hysterectomy for sterilization are presented. The incidence of morbidity is higher with vaginal hysterectomy and serious complications requiring longer hospital stays are more frequent with the abdominal approach. Ovariectomy in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women along with hysterectomy is generally agreed upon by the physicians. Preoperative counselling to help patients overcome negative psychological reactions to hysterectomy is stressed by several of the doctors. 3 of the doctors did not advocate prophylactic use of antibiotics 2 use antibiotics prophylactically in vaginal procedures only and the sixth physician was conducting a study of the value of prophylacting antibiotics.