Change in the ovarian environment after hysterectomy as assessed by ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in the ovarian environment after hysterectomy based on ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.

Study design: Ovarian arterial blood flow indices (pulsatile and resistance indices) by Doppler ultrasonography and serum AMH levels were measured at baseline and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after hysterectomy in 32 women ranging in age from 38 to 49 years, or at the time of screening in 21 age-matched controls. The study subjects underwent hysterectomy with conservation of both ovaries for benign diseases of the uterus (laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy [LAVH], n=26; and total abdominal hysterectomy [TAH], n=6). The study subjects and controls were analyzed using a t-test or one-way analysis of variance.

Results: No differences existed in demographic profiles, ovarian arterial blood flow indices, and serum AMH levels at baseline between the hysterectomy and control groups. Ovarian arterial blood flow indices did not change before and after surgery, and there were no serial changes in the mean levels of serum AMH at each time point (1.80+/-1.81 ng/mL [pre-operatively], 1.69+/-1.62 ng/mL [1 week post-hysterectomy], 1.42+/-1.34 ng/mL [1 month post-hysterectomy], and 1.52+/-1.72 ng/mL [3 months post-hysterectomy]; p=0.805). In addition, no significant differences in ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum AMH levels existed between the LAVH and TAH groups.

Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that hysterectomy does not affect the ovarian environment for up to 3 months post-operatively, as assessed by ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum AMH levels.