The women had, after sampling, been informed that they had cell changes that are a precursor to cervical cancer, and therefore been recommended for surgery. However, the diagnosis proved to be incorrect. No surgery had been necessary.
The hospital announces that it will also review tests from previous years to be able to contact patients if they discover any deviations.
"We deeply regret what has happened. Removing the uterus is a major intervention with significant and irreversible consequences. It should not be able to happen, and yet it did, and we apologize to the women who have been affected by this. They have our full support," says Johan Lugnegård, chief physician at Akademiska Hospital, in a press release.
"No one wanted to have children"
Most of the women were between 50-60 years old, while one of them was 38 years old.
— None of the women wanted to have children. They were finished with childbearing, says Gudlaug Sverrirsdottir, head of women's healthcare, at a press conference, according to Upsala Nya Tidning.
The matter came to light when women's healthcare noticed an unexplained increase in the number of diagnosed cell changes. The hospital then launched its own investigation, which revealed that there had been a systematic overdiagnosis, and that Akademiska Hospital stood out in a national comparison.
"Been too strict"
"We have been too strict in our assessments, more often convicting than acquitting, which has led to overdiagnosis. Such large differences should not exist, and it is a flaw in our quality control," says Tommie Olofsson, head of Akademiska Laboratory.
Overdiagnosis is said to have occurred between 2023 and April this year. Tests taken earlier or later have, according to the hospital, been assessed correctly.
The affected women will be informed about the possibility of seeking financial compensation through patient insurance. The hospital has opened a special patient hotline where patients who are worried or have questions can turn to. The hospital is also preparing a lex Maria notification.
