Epidemiological analysis of hysterectomies performed at the public health system in the largest Brazilian city.

Despite the decrease in the number of hysterectomies over the 11-year study period in São Paulo, it remains in high demand mainly for the treatment of uterine leiomyomatosis. Laparoscopic hysterectomy has been gaining ground and showed a slightly upward trend with a shorter hospital stay. Laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy required less financial support from the health system than open surgery.