Meta-analysis of return to normal activities (number of days). Statistical pooling used random effects statistical model for vaginal versus abdominal hysterectomy and for laparoscopic versus abdominal hysterectomy, and fixed effects statistical model for laparoscopic versus vaginal hysterectomy. AH=abdominal hysterectomy; VH=vaginal hysterectomy; LH=laparoscopic hysterectomy; LAVH=laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy; LH(a)=laparoscopic hysterectomy where laparoscopic procedures include uterine artery ligation; TLH=total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Reference numbers refer to reference numbers cited in the full version of this article on bmj.com