Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstétrique et gynécologie du Canada : JOGC
-
J Obstet Gynaecol Can · Jan 2015
Technical update on tissue morcellation during gynaecologic surgery: its uses, complications, and risks of unsuspected malignancy.
To review the use of tissue morcellation in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. ⋯ The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. (Table 1) BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Gynaecologists may offer women minimally invasive surgery and this may involve tissue morcellation and the use of a power morcellator for specimen retrieval. Women should be counselled that in the case of unexpected uterine sarcoma or endometrial cancer, the use of a morcellator is associated with increased risk of tumour dissemination. Appropriate training and safe practices should be in place before offering tissue morcellation. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: 1. Uterine sarcomas may be difficult to diagnose preoperatively. The risk of an unexpected uterine sarcoma following surgery for presumed benign uterine leiomyoma is approximately 1 in 350, and the rate of leiomyosarcoma is 1 in 500. (II-2) This risk increases with age. (II-2) 2. An unexpected uterine sarcoma treated by primary surgery involving tumour disruption, including morcellation of the tumour, has the potential for intra-abdominal tumour-spread and a worse prognosis. (II-2) 3. Uterus-sparing surgery remains a safe option for patients with symptomatic leiomyomas who desire future fertility. (II-1) RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Techniques for morcellation of a uterine specimen vary, and physicians should consider employing techniques that minimize specimen disruption and intra-abdominal spread. (III-C) 2. Each patient presenting with uterine leiomyoma should be assessed for the possible presence of malignancy, based on her risk factors and preoperative imaging, although the value of these is limited. (III-C) 3. Preoperative endometrial biopsy and cervical assessment to avoid morcellation of potentially detectable malignant and premalignant conditions is recommended. (II-2A) 4. Hereditary cancer syndromes that increase the risk of uterine malignancy should be considered a contraindication to uncontained uterine morcellation. (III-C) 5. Uterine morcellation is contraindicated in women with established or suspected cancer. (II-2A) If there is a high index of suspicion of a uterine sarcoma prior to surgery, patients should be advised to proceed with a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, and possible oophorectomy. (II-2C) A gynaecologic oncology consultation should be obtained. 6. Tissue morcellation techniques require appropriate training and experience. Safe practice initiatives surrounding morcellation technique and the use of equipment should be implemented at the local level. (II-3B) 7. Morcellation is an acceptable option for retrieval of benign uterine specimens and may facilitate a minimally invasive surgical approach, which is associated with decreased perioperative risks. Each patient should be counselled about the possible risks associated with the use of morcellation, including the risks associated with underlying malignancy. (III-C).