Prevalence and burden of adenomyosis in hysterectomy specimens for benign abnormal uterine bleeding in a tertiary care institute in Pondicherry, India

Abstract

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the most common presenting complaints encountered by women in reproductive age group. An estimated 60% of visits to a physician’s office are from women seeking treatment for menstrual problems. The aim was to assess the burden and prevalence of adenomyosis among hysterectomy specimens for benign causes of AUB in tertiary care institute in Pondicherry.Methods: In this retrospective study, records were retrieved of the patients and pathological specimens of consecutive 184 hysterectomies for benign abnormal uterine bleeding done between May 2007 and May 2008. Patient characteristics were retrieved, and the frequency of adenomyosis in this group was determined.Results: A total of 184 hysterectomies were indicated for benign causes of abnormal uterine bleeding - 50 (23.8%) for fibroid, 119 (55.66%,) for adenomyosis, 15 (7.14%) for dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia and others, other than for malignant causes. Age range 33-55 years, mean age was 43.62 years among adenomyosis patientsConclusions: Adenomyosis was diagnosed in 119 (55.66 %) of the benign AUB specimens. Adenomyosis is a frequent cause for failed conservative management culminating in hysterectomy, posing risk to health related quality of life of women with a bearing on emotional, physical, psychosocial, economic issues and family life.