§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hysterectomies were carried out for menorrhagia in the last year; at what cost; and what clinical guidance his Department issues as to the appropriateness of this procedure. [26940]
774W
§ Ms Jowell18,804 hysterectomies were carried out for menorrhagia in National Health Service hospitals in England in 1995–96, the latest year available. The estimated average cost of a hysterectomy, based on 1995–96 prices, is approximately £2,400.
The Department of Health issued an Effective Healthcare Bulletin on 'The Management of Menorrhagia' in 1995. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is currently preparing clinical guidelines on the management of menorrhagia in both primary and secondary care. The guidelines, which are funded by the Department of Health, are expected to be published later this year.