Consequences of the FDA Warnings About Power Morcellation

Complications of hysterectomy for fibroids increased in association with diminishing use of minimally invasive surgical approaches.

In April 2014, the FDA issued a statement discouraging use of laparoscopic power morcellation in hysterectomy for uterine fibroids; this was followed by a warning in November 2014 against use of uterine power morcellation because of risk for dissemination of malignant tissue. In response, many hospitals banned power morcellation. In a retrospective cohort study to assess the effects of these FDA statements on 30-day complications associated with hysterectomy and on surgical approach, investigators analyzed data from 603 hospitals involving 75,500 women [mean age, 48] undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications and a subset of 25,600 women undergoing hysterectomy specifically for uterine fibroids. Minimally invasive surgery included total…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Consequences of the FDA Warnings About Power Morcellation

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Reviewing Author