Fatigue and physical function after hysterectomy measured by SF-36, ergometer, and dynamometer.

Women lost lean body mass 13 and 30 days after their hysterectomy (p < 0.01). Strength in hand (p < 0.05) and knees (p < 0.01) increased compared to preoperative values but no change in postural stability and work capacity was noted. Fatigue resumed to preoperative levels after 30 days. SF-36 revealed that the modality of 'physical functioning' and 'role limitations due to physical problems' remained significantly decreased at the end of the study (p < 0.01) CONCLUSION: Hysterectomy was associated with reduction in physical function assessed by SF-36 30 days after surgery. No impairment of performance was found in physical tests at days 13 and 30 postoperatively.