Bowel function and hysterectomy--a review.

Hysterectomy is the most common major gynecological operation performed in the United Kingdom and in the United States. As the operation disrupts the innervation and the intimate anatomical relationship of the pelvic organs such as the bowel and the bladder, function of these organs may be affected. Frequently women date the onset of their bowel symptoms to the time of hysterectomy, though there is no scientific evidence to support causation. Although so frequently performed little is understood of the true incidence of bowel dysfunction after a hysterectomy or the pathophysiology behind it.