Is Laparoscopic Power Morcellation of Fibroids a Cardinal Sin in 2017?

The diagnosis of an unsuspected leiomyosarcoma after hysterectomy for the treatment of a presumed benign leiomyoma is a rare but highly clinically significant event. In order to facilitate removal of large uterine specimens using a minimally invasive surgical approach, morcellation with extraction in pieces is often performed. In the event of unsuspected malignancy, this may result in abdominal dispersion of the tumor and contribute to poorer survival. Modern surgical innovations always work toward improving minimally invasive strategies. Laparoscopy, rooted in practices for years, supplanted laparotomy for many indications. For extraction of large uteri, morcellation is currently the only way to externalize surgical specimens (myomas, uteri), without increasing the skin opening while allowing to reduce postoperative complications when compared to laparotomy. However, in 2014, the Food and Drug Administration warned against the use of uterine morcellation because of an oncological risk. Some practicing academicians have challenged this recommendation. The incidence of uterine sarcomas is still poorly identified and preoperative diagnostic facilities remain inadequate. The small number of retrospective studies currently available do not reinforce any recommendation. The evaluation of morcellation devices and the improvement of preoperative diagnostic modalities (Imaging, preoperative Biopsy) are being improvised continually so as to minimize the oncological risks. Even during conventional myomectomy, tissue spillage occurs during resection of leiomyoma(s). Adverse oncologic outcomes of tissue morcellation should be mitigated through improved patient selection, preoperative investigations, and novel techniques that minimize tissue dispersion. Preoperative endometrial biopsy and cervical assessment to avoid morcellation of potentially detectable malignant and premalignant conditions is recommended.