Uterine Morcellation: Fact and Fiction Surrounding the Recent Controversy

Minimally invasive surgery is commonly used for hysterectomies because of its many benefits over open surgery. Although small uteri can be removed whole in this approach, larger specimens must be morcellated. Power morcellation has come under scrutiny recently because of concerns that it can disseminate occult uterine sarcoma, other undiagnosed malignancies, and benign tissue. To limit uterine tissue dissemination, morcellation can be contained within a bag. In addition, a careful preoperative workup should be performed to minimize the risk of occult malignancy. New techniques that allow surgeons to offer more women a minimally invasive approach should be investigated and encouraged.