Background. The aims of the study were to describe the trends in Danish hys
terectomy rates from 1988 to 1998 for operations done on benign indication.
Methods. Data from all women (n=67,096) undergoing hysterectomy from 1988 t
o 1998 were obtained from the Danish National Patient Register. Data on the
female population distribution were obtained from the Danish National Popu
lation Register.
Results. During the last 11 years the incidence rate of hysterectomy perfor
med for benign diseases has been stable. However, the rate of women treated
surgically for benign diseases of the uterus has increased by 14%. During
the study period the number of total abdominal hysterectomies has decreased
by 38%, the number of subtotal abdominal hysterectomies has increased by 4
58%, the number of vaginal hysterectomies has increased by 107% and two new
methods of surgical treatment for benign diseases of the uterus have been
introduced, Abdominal hysterectomy still accounts for 80% of the total numb
er of hysterectomies performed in Denmark in 1998. The age distribution for
all hysterectomies has changed, from a maximum of 36-45 years in 1988 to 4
6-55 years in 1998. The age maximum for abdominal hysterectomy corresponds
to that of all hysterectomies. For vaginal hysterectomy the age maximum is
55 years or older, while it is 36-45 years for laparoscopic hysterectomy
Conclusions The incidence rate of hysterectomy was stable during the study
period and the age distribution for all hysterectomies has changed. The stu
dy showed a change in the choice of surgical methods, although no evidence
supports this practice.