Patient knowledge of hysterectomy and pap screening after minimally invasive hysterectomy

- Overall knowledge regarding pelvic anatomy and pap tests was limited.
- Only 2/3 of women knew the appropriate pap screening after their hysterectomy.
- African American race and low income were associated with limited knowledge.
- Perioperative counseling should include future pap screening requirements.

ObjectiveTo determine whether women know their own cervical cancer screening recommendations after hysterectomy, and to evaluate patients' understanding of hysterectomy terminology and cervical cancer screening.MethodsA 19-item questionnaire was developed and administered to 413 women who had undergone minimally invasive hysterectomy with benign pathology between January 2008 and January 2012.ResultsA total of 190 women (46%) participated in the survey. The majority of respondents were Caucasian (61%) and had a college education (66%). Fifty-nine percent of respondents knew that a Pap test screens for cervical cancer, and 40% knew that HPV is related to cervical cancer. Eight-four percent understood that Pap screening is recommended if a woman still has a cervix after hysterectomy. Only 67% correctly identified if their cervix had been removed during their own surgery and if they needed future cervical cancer screening per current guidelines. Caucasian race and higher income were significant predictors of hysterectomy and screening knowledge.ConclusionKnowledge regarding Pap tests, HPV, and implications of a supracervical hysterectomy is lacking, even among a post-hysterectomy population.Practical implicationsPatient educational information is needed to improve perioperative counseling regarding the type of hysterectomy performed and indications for future cervical cancer screening.