Amanda Ramos1, Amanda N Fader, Kara Long Roche. 1. Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Uterine morcellation is a technique used in gynecologic surgery to facilitate a laparoscopic approach to the removal of an enlarged uterus. The safety of this technique has been a source of recent debate, as uterine morcellation can result in the intraperitoneal dissemination of undiagnosed uterine malignancies. CASES: We report on three women who previously underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy and open power morcellation for benign disease, who subsequently presented with peritoneal implants highly suspicious for malignancy. Each woman required a laparotomy and extensive, multiorgan resection to clear the disease. Benign pathology was diagnosed in all cases. CONCLUSION: Even in the setting of benign conditions, open power morcellation of the uterus may be associated with clinically significant dissemination of uterine disease.
BACKGROUND: Uterine morcellation is a technique used in gynecologic surgery to facilitate a laparoscopic approach to the removal of an enlarged uterus. The safety of this technique has been a source of recent debate, as uterine morcellation can result in the intraperitoneal dissemination of undiagnosed uterine malignancies. CASES: We report on three women who previously underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy and open power morcellation for benign disease, who subsequently presented with peritoneal implants highly suspicious for malignancy. Each woman required a laparotomy and extensive, multiorgan resection to clear the disease. Benign pathology was diagnosed in all cases. CONCLUSION: Even in the setting of benign conditions, open power morcellation of the uterus may be associated with clinically significant dissemination of uterine disease.