Hysterectomy rates for benign conditions are declining in Lombardy, Italy: 1996-2010

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the hysterectomy rates (HR) temporal trends for gynecological benign conditions in Lombardy, Northern Italy. STUDY DESIGN: Since 1991, discharges from public or private hospitals have been registered in a standard form (Lombardy Region registry). Women aged ≥20 years, residing in Lombardy, who underwent hysterectomy for benign conditions, were included in the study. Admissions were codified according to the ICD-9 and ICD-10. HRs per 1000 women residing in Lombardy, of the same age class, were computed. RESULTS: In 1996-2010, 143,045 hysterectomies were performed for benign indications. HR showed a declining trend (average annual percent change (AAPC) -2.9), mainly due to the falling number of total abdominal hysterectomies (AAPC -5.3). The most remarkable decrease was seen in women aged 45-54 years (HR 8.05 in 1996 and 4.83 in 2010). Leiomyoma was the most frequent indication in women aged <55 years, whereas in older patients it was uterine prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: In 1996-2010, the frequency of hysterectomy in Lombardy fell markedly. This study confirms the declining trend in abdominal hysterectomies observed in most developed countries, though the surgical approaches to hysterectomy differ in different countries. In particular, in Lombardy the proportion of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies, though increasing, is low.