Authors Discuss Uterine Morcellation Risks, Alternatives

The use of morcellation, a laparoscopic technique used in hysterectomies, is coming under scrutiny because it may disperse potentially cancerous fibroids throughout the body, write the authors of a viewpoint article published February 6, 2014, in the Journal of the American Medical Association. After morcellation, tissue fragments can be dispersed into the peritoneal cavity and implant, possibly requiring surgical intervention. And although it is possible to screen for cervical and endometrial cancer preoperatively, no reliable methods exist for detecting uterine sarcomas before a procedure. In addition, risks of hidden uterine malignancy in women undergoing uterine procedures are hard to estimate because of the complexity and heterogeneity of the data.