For Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Contained Morcellation Is Feasible and Preferable

Compared with abdominal hysterectomy, laparoscopic and vaginal approaches both carry lower risk for surgical complications. When the diseased uterus is very large, it must be morcellated to remove it through a small incision; however, uncontained morcellation of an occult uterine leiomyosarcoma can upstage the disease. To minimize risk for spreading such cancer, many surgeons now use contained power morcellation techniques. Contained morcellation requires the extra step of inserting a large containment bag into the abdominal cavity and placing the uterus within the bag.

Investigators evaluated laparoscopic hysterectomy outcomes with uncontained versus contained power morcellation (101 vs. 51 cases). The two techniques showed no differences i…