During operation of a woman aged 54 years for inguinal hernias, abdominal hysterectomy was carried out as well. A severe wound infection occurred. Subsequently, the patient was unable to sit down because she could not flex the left upper leg. Laparotomy revealed thrombosis and sclerosis of the left ovarian vein which impaired contraction of the iliopsoas muscle. Adverse effects of hysterectomy are briefly discussed.