Statement on Power Morcellation

The FDA has taken recent action on women’s health as it is related to power morcellation. Other groups, including The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have joined with the FDA to take a stand on contraindications for power morcellation in some women. While many women are good candidates, there are a number of women at risk for occult malignancies, based on the use of power morcellation for their hysterectomies or related procedures.

Many Organizations are Lobbying for Continued Use of Power Morcellation

The AAGL, an organization working to promote the advancement of minimally invasive gynecology throughout the world, has provided a statement on the concerns raised by power morcellation. This statement has acknowledged the concerns, but has also cautioned against reverting to more invasive techniques in all––or even the majority––of cases where women need a hysterectomy.

Despite the value of power morcellation for some patients, there are a number of risks that can and should be considered when using it. Most women will not experience any complications, but the risk is such that the FDA advises medical professionals to select another method of treatment for patients who need hysterectomies.

Power Morcellation and Cancer

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology also released a statement on the use of power morcellation, which reduces the size of the incision needed for removal of the uterus. This makes removal of the uterus much easier, but also results in the uterus being cut up while it remains in the body. If there are undetected malignant cells in the uterus, these can be released into other areas of the pelvis and abdomen through the use of power morcellation. In women who have malignancy, or where a malignancy may be suspected, it is generally advised to use another method of uterine removal.

Issues such as power morcellation are vital to consider when preparing for an OBGYN board review as the latest, most up-to-date information is needed. With statements being made by a number of organizations and the most recent findings analyzed, the FDA has made the recommendation that power morcellation not be used in women with uterine fibroids. In a small number of women, these fibroids can have cancer cells inside of them. The right OBGYN seminar is crucial to ensuring that information about the latest FDA action is collected and used appropriately.