Nearly 500,000 women get hysterectomies every year in the U.S. It is the second most common surgery after childbirth by caesarian delivery. From 2006 to 2010, 11.7 percent of women between the ages of 40 and 44 had a hysterectomy.
Even though the death rate from hysterectomy is low, surgical complications occur and can result in infection, hemorrhage during or following surgery, and/or damage to internal organs such as the urinary tract or bowel.
The four conditions most often associated with a need for hysterectomy are uterine fibroids, menstrual disorders, uterine prolapse, and endometriosis. However, the reasons for hysterectomy differ by age. The primary diagnosis for women ages 35 to 54 is uterine fibroids while the most common diagnosis for women ages 55 or older is either uterine prolapse or cancer.
Attorneys, physicians, insurers, employers, risk managers, and other potential parties to litigation need to understand the types of litigation issues that may arise in connection with injuries related to hysterectomies.