Hospitalization costs associated with leiomyoma.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and cost of leiomyoma-related hospitalizations based on the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP-3). Data for 1991 and 1992 were obtained from the HCUP-NIS database, which includes an approximate 20% sample of US hospital discharges. ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision) codes 218.0-218.2 and 218.9 were used to identify women between the ages of 15 and 64 years with the diagnosis of leiomyoma. The distribution of leiomyoma was described using demographic characteristics, admission type, length of stay (LOS), mean total charge, specific leiomyoma diagnosis, principal procedure, and other diagnosed diseases. Among hospital admissions of women between the ages of 15 and 64 years during 1991 and 1992, 26 to 28 admissions per 1000 included a diagnosis of leiomyoma. The highest rates of leiomyoma diagnosis were seen in women aged >40 years (65% and 70% for 1991 and 1992, respectively) and black women (26% and 27%, respectively). Approximately 90% of hospitalizations for leiomyoma were routine admissions, with the most common specific diagnosis being intramural leiomyoma of the uterus. In 1992, patients with leiomyoma as the first diagnosis (vs other diagnoses) had significantly lower mean LOS (3.1 vs. 4.4 days; P<0.001) and mean total charge ($5919 vs. $6810; P<0.001). Total abdominal hysterectomy was performed on three quarters of the women admitted for leiomyoma, and these patients had longer mean LOS and higher total charges than those undergoing other procedures. Although not as costly as other conditions, this common disorder among women of reproductive years requires expensive treatment and is a major burden on the health care system.