Factors influencing the choice of hysterectomy

A retrospective review of women undergoing hysterectomy between May 1998 and April 2000 was performed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing the choice of hysterectomy performed. Two independent factors, the surgeons' expertise and the concomitant adnexal surgery, had a strong influence on the decision-making process regarding type of hysterectomy Generalist gynaecologists tended to perform either an abdominal hysterectomy (AH) or a vaginal hysterectomy (VH) while non-generalist gynaecologists were more likely to perform laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). Patients undergoing a hysterectomy along with adnexal surgery had a far greater chance of undergoing either an AH or a LH as opposed to a VH. In addition, patients who had bigger uterus were more likely to undergo an AH versus a VH as compared to those with a small uterus. Patients aged 50 or older had more chance of undergoing a VH than a LH.