The Danish Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy Database.
The steering committee of the Danish Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy Database (DHHD) has defined the objective of the database: the aim is firstly to reduce complications, readmissions, reoperations; secondly to specify the need for hospitalization after hysterectomy; thirdly to secure quality assessment of hysterectomy and hysteroscopy by setting standards and national guidelines; and finally to intensify the monitoring of laparoscopic surgery and explore long-term side effects after hysterectomy.


METHODS
We include all women in Denmark who have had elective benign uterine surgery since 2003. The surgery includes hysterectomy and operative hysteroscopy. In the latter, we include resection of the endometrium and submucosal leiomyomas and ablations of the endometrium.


METHODS
Detailed information about the hysterectomy and hysteroscopy operation techniques, cooperations, and indications is registered directly in the National Patient Register (NPR), as well as relevant lifestyle factors and confounders. It is mandatory to register information about complications and readmissions in the NPR. Data included in DHHD are directly extracted from the NPR.
Annually approximately 4,300 hysterectomies and 3,200 operative hysteroscopies are performed in Denmark. Since the establishment of the database in 2003, 50,000 hysterectomies have been registered. DHHD's nationwide cooperation and research have led to national guidelines and regimes. Annual national meetings and nationwide workshops have been organized.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy methods has increased during the past decade and the overall complication rate and hospital stay have declined. The regional variation in operation methods has also decreased.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Zealand Hospital, University of Copenhagen.
Märta Fink
MF
Topsoee
Registry Support Centre (East) - Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Glostrup University Hospital, Nordre Ringvej, Glostrup, Denmark.
Else Helene
EH
Ibfelt
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Zealand Hospital, University of Copenhagen.
Annette
A
Settnes
clinical quality register; complication; epidemiology; gynecology; laparoscopy