Trends in the surgical options for the treatment of menorrhagia in Scotland: examination of health episode statistics, 2000-2008.

Menorrhagia is a common and important problem that has a significant impact on women's health. Menorrhagia is treated by surgical methods if primary medical methods fail. Surgical methods have changed over time and the traditional method of hysterectomy has been replaced by minimally invasive techniques. An examination of practice in Scotland suggests that minimally invasive techniques are now the most common surgical method of treating menorrhagia. Abdominal hysterectomies are still performed commonly, but the trend is towards a reduction in procedures performed annually. The changing technique of managing menorrhagia has an impact on the training of future gynaecologists.