The pathology of hysterectomy specimens

Six hundred and twenty-one hysterectomies were performed at National Women's Hospital, Auckland, during 1975. Abnormal vaginal bleeding was the clinical indication in 50.72% of the cases. Fibroids, pelvic mass, prolapse, stress incontinence and cervical neoplasia were the indication for 45.88% of the cases. Total hysterectomy was performed in 618 (99.5%) patients whilst sub-total hysterectomy was done in only three cases. Histopathological studies revealed that 567 (91.30%) specimens were pathological and there was multiple pathology in 55.87% of the specimens. Leiomyomas were present in 278 cases (44.76%); microleiomyomatosis in 178 specimens (22.66%); endometrial hyperplasia in 139 specimens (22.33%) adenomyosis in 87 cases (14.00%); malignant diseases in 76 cases (12.23%); and endometriosis in 40 specimens (6.44%). There were no histological abnormalities in 54 specimens, 8.69% of this series.