The future function and fortune of ovarian tissue which is retained in vivo during hysterectomy.

Hysterectomy was performed for 2,132 private patients; one third were done vaginally and two thirds, abdominally. Ages ranged from the 20's through the 80's, but 55% were between 40 and 55 years of age. Ovarian function was retained at the time of hysterectomy in 1,263 patients; ovarian tissue was retained in 1,557. Based on clinical criteria, 525 patients had continued ovarian function until last examined (one to 23 years); 328 had continued ovarian function until the end of the study (one to 25 years); 410 patients had cessation of ovarian function during the study at ages ranging from 41 to 64 years. Fourteen patients required second operations: three for hemorrhagic physiologic cysts, two for adhesions, one for ovarian endometriosis, four for cystadenomas, and four for ovarian cancer. Two cancer patients died; two are alive and well, five and 15 years after the second operations.