Objectives: In Poland, approximately 35,000 women a year undergo hysterectomy. The surgical approach may vary depending on the indications and experience of the operator and advances in laparoscopic surgical techniques. The aim of the present study was to analyze trends in the use of various types of hysterectomy in Poland between 2011 and 2016. Summary values were given as numbers and percentages. Annual incidence of procedures and identify factors which influence these changes in gynecological practice.
Material and methods: Data on hysterectomy procedures performed between 2011 and 2016 in Poland acquired from the National Health Fund reports were extracted and analyzed. Summary values were given as numbers, percentages and rate ratios (RR). Annual incidence of procedures and identify factors that influence these changes in gynecological practice.
Results: Between 2011 and 2016, 215,744 women were treated by hysterectomy in inpatient settings. The total number of those procedures in analyzed period decreased by 11.5%; the incidence rate dropped by 2.15 per 100,000 women. A significant increase in laparoscopic procedures was observed (RR = 3.85; CI: 3.57-4.16; p < 0.001) along with a decrease in the number of abdominal operations (RR = 0.82; CI: 0.81-0.83; p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Surgical technique advances, introduction of intrauterine systems and hormonal therapy, as well as recommendations of international institutions have brought about changes in the methods and frequency of hysterectomy. The laparoscopic approach has been gaining popularity since it is beneficial both for patients and public health system. However, the percentage of advanced minimally invasive hysterectomies is still low in Poland in comparison to other countries.
Keywords: Poland; hysterectomy; laparoscopy; statistics.