Trends in laparoscopic surgery for hysterectomy in K orea between 2007 and 2009

Aims The aims of this study are to estimate the hysterectomy rate for benign disease and determine recent trends in laparoscopic surgery for hysterectomies, including subtotal, total, and radical hysterectomy, in K orea. Material and Methods Computerized discharge summaries from private and public hospitals for 2007–2009 were obtained from the H ealth I nsurance R eview & A ssessment S ervice. All records listing subtotal and total hysterectomies for benign disease and radical hysterectomies in women aged ≥ 16 years in each period were selected ( n  = 99 388). All women living in K orea aged ≥ 16 years were the denominator population. Laparoscopic surgery was identified when the code for laparoscopic materials was used. Statistical analysis included a trend test. Results The hysterectomy rates for benign disease were 1.48, 1.49, and 1.52/1000 women aged ≥ 16 years in 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively, and the overall rate was 1.49/1000 women. The trend increased ( P for trend <0.001). The use of laparoscopy for subtotal and total hysterectomies accounted for 43.1% in 2007, 47.7% in 2008, and 52.0% in 2009, which showed a clear increasing trend ( P for trend <0.001). The use of laparoscopy for radical hysterectomies comprised 26.7%, 28.7%, and 38.2% of cases in 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively, an increased trend ( P for trend <0.001). Conclusion The hysterectomy rate for benign disease increased between 2007 and 2009 in K orea. Application of laparoscopy during subtotal, total, and radical hysterectomies has increased significantly.