Abstract
This study analyses the New South Wales hospital data on hysterectomies from 1981 to 1994-1995, and on endometrial ablations since 1991. The hysterectomy rate declined by about 16% during 1981-1991 and has risen since; the endometrial ablation rate has increased by 28% between 1991 and 1994-1995. Other findings indicate a trend towards older mean age at operation, a swing to vaginal hysterectomy with or without laparoscopy, a shift to private hospitals, and a dramatic decline in length of hospital stay. The majority of endometrial ablations were performed on a day-only basis. Immigrant and Aboriginal women experienced lower hysterectomy rates. Endometrial ablation techniques introduced in the late 1980s, as an alternative to hysterectomy for dysfunctional uterine bleeding, have had a major impact on hysterectomy rates; without these techniques the rates would be much higher.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 210-216 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - May 1997 |