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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Laparoscopic Extracorporeal Knot-Tying for Uterine Vessel Occlusion during Hysterectomy with Cervical Cerclage in Large Uteri
Published on: September 12, 2025
Are hysterectomies necessary?
Insights
Hysterectomy, a vital surgery, requires medical necessity confirmed by a gynecologist, not patient preference. A committee reviewed hysterectomies from 1970-1975 to ensure appropriate medical indications.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Surgical Procedures
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure with significant implications.
- Concerns exist regarding the indiscriminate performance of hysterectomies.
- Recent evidence suggests a need for stricter medical indications for hysterectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the patterns of hysterectomy performance.
- To assess the medical necessity of hysterectomies performed.
- To provide recommendations for appropriate hysterectomy indications.
Main Methods:
- A committee was formed to study hysterectomies.
- Data on hysterectomies performed between 1970-1975 in Saskatchewan were analyzed.
- The committee comprised multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
Main Results:
- The study period covered 1970-1975.
- Hysterectomies were scrutinized at all levels of healthcare.
- The committee's composition ensured a comprehensive review.
Conclusions:
- Hysterectomy should be performed for medically ascertained reasons.
- Gynecologist's assessment is crucial for determining surgical necessity.
- Patient's whim should not be the sole determinant for hysterectomy.
Abstract:
Hysterectomy is a most useful surgical procedure. However, its indiscriminate performance has made this procedure suspect and it is being scrutinized at all levels of health care. Recent studies show that hysterectomy should be carried out for medical reasons ascertained by the gynecologist and not at the whim of a patient.The Hysterectomy Committee of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan studied hysterectomies in Saskatchewan over the period 1970-1975. This committee consisted of two obstetrician gynecologists, a surgical pathologist, a social worker, a systems analyst, a medical student, a physician from the Medical Care Insurance Commission of Saskatchewan and a family physician.

