The Danish Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy Database

AIM OF THE DATABASE The steering committee of the Danish Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy Database (DHHD) has defined the objective of the database: the aim is firstly to reduce complications, readmissions, reoperations; secondly to specify the need for hospitalization after hysterectomy; thirdly to secure quality assessment of hysterectomy and hysteroscopy by setting standards and national guidelines; and finally to intensify the monitoring of laparoscopic surgery and explore long-term side effects after hysterectomy. STUDY POPULATION We include all women in Denmark who have had elective benign uterine surgery since 2003. The surgery includes hysterectomy and operative hysteroscopy. In the latter, we include resection of the endometrium and submucosal leiomyomas and ablations of the endometrium. MAIN VARIABLES Detailed information about the hysterectomy and hysteroscopy operation techniques, cooperations, and indications is registered directly in the National Patient Register (NPR), as well as relevant lifestyle factors and confounders. It is mandatory to register information about complications and readmissions in the NPR. Data included in DHHD are directly extracted from the NPR. DESCRIPTIVE DATA Annually approximately 4,300 hysterectomies and 3,200 operative hysteroscopies are performed in Denmark. Since the establishment of the database in 2003, 50,000 hysterectomies have been registered. DHHD's nationwide cooperation and research have led to national guidelines and regimes. Annual national meetings and nationwide workshops have been organized. CONCLUSION The use of vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy methods has increased during the past decade and the overall complication rate and hospital stay have declined. The regional variation in operation methods has also decreased.