[Curettage in Troms and Finnmark 1980-89. Was it necessary?]

11,201 dilatations and curettages were performed at four hospitals in the counties of Troms and Finnmark (Northern Norway) during the years 1980-89. The overall rate was 100 per 10,000 women/year. The age distribution and the indications for dilatation and curettage are shown and discussed. Large variations were found during the period, and between the four hospitals. These variations are probably due to differences in the physicians' style of practice. It is concluded that the operation rate is too high, especially in younger women. A further approach to investigations of variations in operation rates is discussed.