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Published on: September 12, 2025
The decline of hysterectomy for benign disease
1The Anu Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork. richard.horgan@ucc.ie
Insights
Hysterectomy procedures for benign conditions in Ireland declined significantly between 1999 and 2006. Abdominal hysterectomy rates dropped by 36%, indicating a notable shift in gynecological surgical practices.
Area of Science:
- Gynecological Surgery
- Healthcare Trends
- Public Health
Background:
- Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure for benign gynecological conditions.
- Recent observations suggest a potential decrease in hysterectomy rates in Ireland.
- Understanding these trends is crucial for healthcare planning and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the decline in hysterectomy procedures performed for benign conditions in Ireland from 1999 to 2006.
- To investigate potential reasons behind the observed decline in hysterectomy rates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry Scheme (HIPE) in Ireland.
- Analyzed hysterectomy data for benign diseases between the years 1999 and 2006.
- Focused on identifying trends in the total number of hysterectomies and specifically abdominal hysterectomies.
Main Results:
- A consistent decline in the total number of hysterectomies for benign diseases was observed during the study period.
- The number of abdominal hysterectomy procedures decreased by 36% between 1999 and 2006.
- This indicates a significant reduction in a major gynecological surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms a substantial decline in hysterectomy performance for benign conditions in Ireland.
- The significant reduction in abdominal hysterectomies suggests a shift in surgical approaches or patient management.
- Further research is warranted to explore the specific factors driving this trend and its implications for women's health.
Abstract:
Hysterectomy is one of the most common gynaecological surgical procedures performed but there appears to be a decline in the performance of this procedure in Ireland in recent times. We set out to establish the extent of the decline of hysterectomy and to explore possible explanations. Data for hysterectomy for benign disease from Ireland was obtained from the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry Scheme (HIPE) section of the Economic and Social Research Institute for the years 1999 to 2006. The total number of hysterectomies performed for benign disease showed a consistent decline during this time. There was a 36% reduction in the number of abdominal hysterectomy procedures performed.
