OBJECTIVES :

The aim of this study was to explore the national surgical trends of hysterectomy for endometrial cancer and baseline characteristics of patients according to surgical modality in Korea.

METHODS

Using the National Health Insurance and Services (NHIS) claims database which covers approximately 97% of entire population in Korea, we examined surgical trends in endometrial cancer. We identified patients aged ≥18 who have undergone hysterectomy for endometrial cancer between 2011 and 2016 using the International Classification of Disease, 10^th version (ICD-10). Then, we compared the baseline characteristics such as age, index year, hospital type and region of patients grouped by surgical modality.

RESULTS

A total of 10,226 hysterectomies were performed between 2011 and 2016. The number of surgeries increased from 1,529 (2011) to 1,976 (2016). Among them, 69.9% were performed in territory general hospitals. The age group with the highest proportion of hysterectomies was in the 50-59 years age group (42.8%) which was two times higher than the second highest age group (Age 40-49 years, 21%). The proportion of hysterectomies for endometrial cancer performed using a minimally invasive approach increased from 57% (2011) to 68% (2016). Patients who were younger and whose income level was higher were more likely to receive laparoscopic surgery while patients who were older or treated in non-metropolitan areas were more likely to receive open surgery (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Total cases of hysterectomies for endometrial cancer and the proportion of minimally invasive approach within these procedures increased annually during the period analyzed. Younger patients and those with higher income were more likely to receive laparoscopic hysterectomy.