A Special Report – Power Morcellation in Gynecologic Surgery

Power morcellation is a well established surgical technique that is sometimes used in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) gynecologic surgery to facilitate removal of the uterus or uterine fibroids through small incisions in the abdomen. A battery or electric powered instrument with a rotating blade is used to mechanically break up the larger tissues into smaller pieces that can be easily removed through minimally invasive surgical sites. Recently there has been a great deal of attention given to the use of power morcellation and the risk of inadvertently morcellating a uterine cancer which could carry the risk of spreading malignant tissue pieces in the abdomen. In light of this concern, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued a special report this month outlining the use, risks and benefits of power morcellation. We fully endorse this report and encourage you to open the link provided below to read it in detail.

At Southdale ObGyn, we are committed to maintaining the highest standard in patient care which includes offering the full range of appropriate gynecologic surgical options, especially minimally invasive surgical techniques. We recognize that for many of our patients a minimally invasive surgical approach is the best and safest medical care. We further recognize that, in certain circumstances and for certain patients, this may involve the selected use of power morcellation. Should you need gynecologic surgery, our physicians will have an in-depth discussion with you about all of the surgical options available, allowing you to make an informed decision that is right for you.

http://www.acog.org/Resources_And_Publications/Task_Force_and_Work_Group_Reports/Power_Morcellation_and_Occult_Malignancy_in_Gynecologic_Surgery