Objective: The objective of the study was to examine recent trends in hysterectomy rates and indications in the United States.
Study design: Data on hysterectomy hospitalizations during 2000-2004 were obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Survey, an annual nationally representative survey of inpatient hospitalization records.
Results: The hysterectomy rate decreased slightly from 5.4 per 1000 in 2000 to 5.1 per 1000 in 2004 (P for trend < .05). The proportion of hysterectomies performed for uterine leiomyoma decreased from 44.2% in 2000 to 38.7% in 2004 (P for trend < .01). Concomitant bilateral oophorectomy accompanied 54% of hysterectomies; this proportion declined from 55.1% in 2000 to 49.5% in 2004 (P for trend < .001).
Conclusions: Continued monitoring is needed to determine whether the observed trends persist and to evaluate impact on women's health. In the future, information on both inpatient and outpatient procedures may be important for hysterectomy surveillance.