Decreasing utilization of hysterectomy: a population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1965-2002.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess temporal trends for hysterectomy among Olmsted County, Minnesota women.


METHODS
Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project database, we identified all county residents undergoing a hysterectomy in 1965-2002. Temporal changes in the utilization (incidence) rate, type, diagnostic indications, and age at surgery were assessed.


RESULTS
Between 1965 and 2002, 6152 women had a hysterectomy alone, whereas 3126 women had, in addition, a pelvic floor repair; the age-adjusted utilization rate for hysterectomy alone and for combined procedures declined (P < .0001) by 13% and 63%, respectively. Except for subjects aged 75-85 years, this decline affected every age group. The distribution of vaginal (56%) and abdominal (44%) procedures differed across indications. Uterine leiomyomata, precancerous conditions, and genital prolapse accounted for 28%, 23%, and 12% of all procedures, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Among community women, the utilization rate, age distribution, and indications for a hysterectomy changed substantially between 1965 and 2002.
Babalola
Ebenezer O
EO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Bharucha
Adil E
AE
Schleck
Cathy D
CD
Gebhart
John B
JB
Zinsmeister
Alan R
AR
Melton
L Joseph
LJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota