Laparoscopic Morcellator-Related Complications

Assessing the Reproducibility of Research Based on the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience Data

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to assess the reproducibility of Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) data-driven studies by analyzing the data queries used in their research processes.

METHODS

Studies using MAUDE data were sourced from PubMed by searching for "MAUDE" or "Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience" in titles or abstracts. We manually chose articles with executable queries. The reproducibility of each query was assessed by replicating it in the MAUDE Application Programming Interface. The reproducibility of a query is determined by a reproducibility coefficient that ranges from 0.95 to 1.05. This coefficient is calculated by comparing the number of medical device reports (MDRs) returned by the reproduced queries to the number of reported MDRs in the original studies. We also computed the reproducibility ratio, which is the fraction of reproducible queries in subgroups divided by the query complexity, the device category, and the presence of a data processing flow.

RESULTS

As of August 8, 2022, we identified 523 articles from which 336 contained queries, and 60 of these were executable. Among these, 14 queries were reproducible. Queries using a single field like product code, product class, or brand name showed higher reproducibility (50%, 33.3%, 31.3%) compared with other fields (8.3%, P = 0.037). Single-category device queries exhibited a higher reproducibility ratio than multicategory ones, but without statistical significance (27.1% versus 8.3%, P = 0.321). Studies including a data processing flow had a higher reproducibility ratio than those without, although this difference was not statistically significant (42.9% versus 17.4%, P = 0.107).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the reproducibility of queries in MAUDE data-driven studies is limited. Enhancing this requires the development of more effective MAUDE data query strategies and improved application programming interfaces.

Safely Introducing New Surgical Devices in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: An Argument for Use of the IDEAL Framework

OBJECTIVE

To review the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) premarket regulatory and postmarket surveillance processes for 2 minimally invasive gynecologic surgery case studies-the laparoscopic power morcellator and the Essure permanent birth control device-and to introduce the IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term) framework for safely introducing and monitoring minimally invasive gynecologic surgery devices.

DATA SOURCES

News media publications, agency websites, legal articles, and scientific papers.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Articles and papers were selected that described events leading to FDA approval of these devices and subsequent complications.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Based on current FDA premarket regulatory processes, 67% of devices do not currently require premarket review and only 1% are subject to clinical trial requirements. The IDEAL framework delineates 5 phases for safe introduction of medical devices: idea, development, exploration, assessment, and long-term study.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic power morcellator and Essure cases illustrate possible shortcomings in our device approval system that could be improved upon using the IDEAL framework, which limits device use until safety and efficacy data have been established and recommends postmarket surveillance.

Contained Power Morcellation in Laparoscopic Uterine Myoma Surgeries: A Brief Review

Uterine fibromas are the most common benign uterine tumors. Although the majority of leiomyomas remain asymptomatic, they can cause serious clinical problems, including abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility, which require effective gynecological intervention. Depending on the symptoms as well as patients' preferences, various treatment options are available, such as medical therapy, non-invasive procedures, and surgical methods. Regardless of the extent of the surgery, the preferred option is the laparoscopic approach. To reduce the risk of spreading occult malignancy and myometrial cells associated with fragmentation of the specimen before its removal from the peritoneal cavity, special systems for laparoscopic contained morcellation have been developed. The aim of this review is to present the state-of-the-art contained morcellation. Different types of available retrieval bags are demonstrated. The advantages and difficulties associated with contained morcellation are described. The impact of retrieval bag usage on the course of surgery, as well as the effects of the learning curve, are discussed. The role of contained morcellation in the overall strategy to optimize patient safety is highlighted.

Application of single-port procedure and ERAS management in the laparoscopic myomectomy

OBJECTIVE

Advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management are the two major contributing factors to improved surgical outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to compare the efficacy of single-port surgery and perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) management in laparoscopic myomectomy.

METHODS

The present study included 120 patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy in the Gynecological Ward of Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. According to the traditional perioperative management mode and ERAS management, multi-port and single-port procedures, all patients were assigned to the Conventional-SPLS (Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery with conventional perioperative care) group (n = 34), Conventional-Multi (multi-port laparoscopic surgery with conventional perioperative care) group (n = 47), and ERAS (multi-port laparoscopic surgery with ERAS perioperative care) group (n = 39). The surgical outcomes of the three groups were compared operation time, intraoperative blood loss, variations in postoperative hemoglobin, postoperative walking time, postoperative flatus expelling time, postoperative hospital stay, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores at 6 and 12 h following surgery.

RESULTS

The ERAS group recovered the quickest in terms of postoperative walking time and flatus expelling duration. The ERAS group also recovered the shortest postoperative hospital stay (3.85 ± 1.14 days), which differed significantly from that in the Conventional-Multi group, but not significantly from that in the Conventional-SPLS group. In terms of VAS scores at 6 and 12 h after surgery, the ERAS group had the lowest pain intensity, which differed significantly from that of the other two groups. The effect of surgical procedures or postoperative care on hospital stay was assessed using multiple regression analysis. The results demonstrated that ERAS was an important independent contributor to reducing postoperative hospital stay (β = 0.270, p = 0.002), while single-port surgery did not affect this index (β = 0.107, p = 0.278).

CONCLUSION

In laparoscopic myomectomy, perioperative ERAS management could control postoperative pain and shorten hospital stay. Single-port surgery could speed up the recovery of gastrointestinal function and postoperative walking time, but it did not affect postoperative pain management or the length of hospital stay. Thus, the most effective approach to improving postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic myomectomy was the application of perioperative ERAS management.

The Future of Minimal-Access Myoma Surgery with In-Bag Contained Morcellation

Contained electromechanical morcellation has emerged as a safety approach for laparoscopic myomatous tissue retrieval. This retrospective single-center analysis evaluated the bag deployment practicability and safety of electromechanical in-bag morcellation when used for big surgical benign specimens. The main age of patients was 39.3 years (range 21 to 71); 804 myomectomies, 242 supracervical hysterectomies, 73 total hysterectomies, and 1 retroperitoneal tumor extirpation were performed. A total of 78.7% of specimens weighed more than 250 g (n = 881) and 9% more than 1000 g. The largest specimens, weighing 2933 g, 3183 g, and 4780 g, required two bags for complete morcellation. Neither difficulties nor complications related to bag manipulation were recorded. Small bag puncture was detected in two cases, but peritoneal washing cytology was free of debris. One retroperitoneal angioleiomyomatosis and three malignancies were detected in histology (leiomyosarcoma = 2; sarcoma = 1); therefore, patients underwent radical surgery. All patients were disease-free at 3 years follow-up, but one patient presented multiple abdominal metastases of the leiomyosarcoma in the third year; she refused subsequent surgery and was lost from follow-up. This large series demonstrates that laparoscopic bag morcellation is a safe and comfortable method to remove large and giant uterine tumors. Bag manipulation takes only a few minutes, and perforations rarely occur and are easy to detect intraoperatively. This technique did not result in the spread of debris during myoma surgery, potentially avoiding the additional risk of parasitic fibroma or peritoneal sarcoma.

Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy followed by in-bag transvaginal corpus uteri morcellation and extraction: A case series

OBJECTIVES

Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy (LSH) is a possible treatment for patients with benign uterine disease. Once the hysterectomy has been completed, morcellation and extraction of the corpus uteri is a crucial step of the procedure. We here present a case series to evaluate the feasibility of the in-bag transvaginal specimen retrieval following LSH.

STUDY DESIGN

We report a case series of consecutive patients who underwent LSH followed by in-bag transvaginal specimen retrieval. LSH was accomplished in a standard fashion. Once the uterus was detached from the cervix, a 2 cm posterior colpotomy was performed laparoscopically with a monopolar hook under direct view to insert a specimen retrieval bag into the abdomen. The corpus uteri was placed into the bag and transvaginal contained manual morcellation was performed. The colpotomy was then sutured transvaginally. Baseline patients' characteristics and surgical data were collected. Postoperative complications, same-hospital readmissions, and reoperations were registered if occurred within 30 days from surgery.

RESULTS

Patients' median age and BMI were 45,5 and 22,7, respectively. Median operative time was 71.5 min (range 34-143) and uterus weight ranged from 60 g to 470 g (median 210 g). The estimated blood loss was 100 mL (median) and no blood transfusion was required. No conversions to open surgery, nor intraoperative complications occurred. Median hospital stay was 2 days (1-3) and no postoperative complications within 30 days from surgery were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

LSH followed by in-bag transvaginal specimen extraction is a promising technique and might be considered a reliable and safe option to further reduce the invasiveness of the procedure.

Tips and Details for Successful Robotic Myomectomy: Single-Center Experience with the First 125 Cases

With the continuous development of minimally invasive and precise surgical techniques, laparoscopic myomectomy has become a mainstream surgical method due to its aesthetic outcomes and rapid postoperative recovery. However, during laparoscopic myomectomy, clinicians often encounter unfavorable factors, such as limited vision, inaccurate suturing, difficulty in removing tumors, and susceptibility to fatigue in the operating position. In recent years, robot-assisted surgery has been widely used in gynecology. The advantages of this technique, such as a three-dimensional surgical view, reducing the surgeon’s tremor, and the seven degrees of freedom of the robotic arms, compensate for the defects in laparoscopic surgery. The Department of Gynecology in our hospital has accumulated a wealth of experience since robot-assisted surgery was first carried out in 2017. In this article, the surgical skills of the robotic myomectomy process are described in detail.

Scalpel Morcellation During Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Large Uterine Fibroids. Is It a Safe Alternative to Power-Morcellation?

Background

Laparoscopic hysterectomy has many surgical advantages. Specimen retrieval options after a laparoscopic hysterectomy include laparotomy or “mini-laparotomy,” vaginal delivery, and removal through a laparoscopic port using intracorporeal power morcellation.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-two lady patients underwent (manual) scalpel morcellation of the uterus through the anterior abdominal wall after laparoscopic hysterectomy for large uterine fibroids, to facilitate specimen delivery through the vagina without employing any abdominal incisions; this study was done in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Results

The mean operative time was 140 min; the mean scalping time was 17.21 min. The estimated blood loss was 105.29 ml. Extensive intraoperative adhesions were noted in 67.3% of the patients. The postoperative uterine weight had a median of 450 g (range 320–740 g). The median uterine length was 14 cm (range 9–23 cm), while its width was 9 cm (range 6–18 cm). Leiomyoma was the common postoperative pathology in most of the cases (96.15%) with a median size of 8 cm (range 5–12 cm).

Conclusion

Scalpel morcellation of large uterine leiomyomas after laparoscopic hysterectomy is a safe and cheap method. Its merits include no intraperitoneal dissemination, spillage, and intact specimens’ delivery for proper postoperative pathological examination.

Operative Complications and Outcomes Comparing Small and Large Uterine Weight in Case of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for a Benign Indication

Study Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the association between uterine weight and operative outcomes in women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for a benign indication.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized trial with data collected prospectively and retrospectively. The data of 159 women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for a benign indication were analyzed. Women were divided in two groups according to the postoperative uterine weight: small uterus group (<250 grams) and large uterus group (≥250 grams). Operative complications were compared between the two groups. Operative outcomes (need for uterine morcellation, operative duration, estimated blood loss), postoperative pain, and hospital length of stay were also analyzed.

Main Results: Operative complications were not significantly different between the two groups (37% in the large uterus group versus 41% in the small uterus group). Operative outcomes showed a significantly increased use of uterine morcellation in the large uterus group (61% in the large uterus group versus 10% in the small uterus group). The operative duration was 150 min in the small uterus group and 176 min in the large uterus group, which corresponds to an increase of 17% in the large uterus group. The mean pain score on the day of surgery was identical in both groups (VAS pain score 5), but significantly in favor of the large uterus group on day 1 postoperatively (VAS pain score 4 in the small uterus group and 3 in the large uterus group). There was no statistical difference between groups in the mean hospital stay (62 ± 37 hours in the small uterus group versus 54 ± 21 hours in the large uterus group). In terms of surgical indication, the small uterus group comprised more patients with endometriosis/adenomyosis (36%) and the large uterus group more patients with leiomyoma (93%).

Conclusion: The results from this study show that, even if a large uterine weight is associated with increased uterine morcellation requirement and operative duration, a laparoscopic approach is safe and does not increase operative complications nor pain and/or length of hospital stay in women undergoing hysterectomy for a benign indication.

Preclinical safety testing and initial experience of a morcellation bag with four sealable ports

Electromechanical morcellation-so called power morcellation-is a minimally invasive approach to remove bulky lesions such as uterine fibroids. The spread of benign and malignant tissue due to morcellation is a major concern that might limit the use of laparoscopic interventions. We present an in vitro evaluation of the safety characteristics of a four-port endobag with closable trocar sleeves, and describe physical properties of the bag that may or may not allow passage through the hole. In addition, we report our preliminary experience of this tool when used for laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomies. The behavior of the endobag during the extraction process was analyzed by extracting opened and re-sealed bags filled with 20 ml blue dye solution through a wooden template, with incisions measuring 10 to 24 mm. The endobag was used in 50 subtotal hysterectomies during the morcellation procedure. In the in vitro test, no dye loss was recorded for incisions measuring 11-24 mm. The mean force required to pull the bag through the template was inversely proportional to incision size. No bag rupture occurred during the surgical procedures. The mean time taken to prepare the bag for morcellation was 7.1 min (range, 4-14 min), the mean duration of subtotal hysterectomy was 53.4 min (range, 20-194 min). The mean weight of the removed body of the uterus was 113.8 g (range, 13-896 g), the mean weight of tissue and fluid remaining in the bag after morcellation 7.9 g (range, 0-39 g). In the in vitro setting, the improved endobag signifies greater patient safety during bag extraction, along with less tissue traumatization due to a smaller incision in the abdominal wall. The improved ergonomic features of the bag permit the insertion of three trocars in the lower abdomen and avoid closure of unused access ports. Our preliminary experience has shown that the device can be used under routine conditions. Failure rates will be evaluated in future studies.

Complications in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery: definitions, classifications, incidence and risk factors - an up-to-date review

Almost all gynecological and general-surgical operations are - or can be - performed laparoscopically. In comparison to an abdominal approach, the minimally invasive access offers several advantages; however, laparoscopy (both conventional and robotic-assisted) can be associated with a number of approach-specific complications. Although the majority of them are related to the laparoscopic entry, adverse events may also occur due to the presence of pneumoperitoneum or the use of laparoscopic instruments. Unfortunately, a high proportion of complications (especially affecting the bowel and ureter) remain unrecognized during surgery. This narrative review provides comprehensive up-to-date information about definitions, classifications, risk factors and incidence of surgical complications in conventional and robotic-assisted laparoscopy, with a special focus on gynecology. The topic is discussed from various perspectives, e.g. in the context of stage of surgery, injured organs, involved instruments, and in relation to malpractice claims.

A different technique in gasless, laparoendoscopic, single-site myomectomy

Background

The aim of this study was to introduce a novel technique for gasless, laparoendoscopic, single-site (GLESS) myomectomy and to evaluate its feasibility and safety.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed at a hospital from Sep 2017 to Nov 2018. 15 patients with symptomatic subserosal or intramural myomas underwent GLESS myomectomy.

Results

The mean age and body mass index were 41.73 ± 8.58 years and 22.72 ± 2.27 kg/m², respectively. 5 patients had a history of abdominal surgery, including four caesarean deliveries and one myomectomy. The mean operative duration, blood loss volume, time to specimen removal, time of bowel activity and postoperative hospitalization duration were 156.47 ± 62.19 min, 57.33 ± 72.35 ml, 29.87 ± 13.6 min, 27.67 ± 10.06 h, and 3.4 ± 0.74 days, respectively. The operation was successful in all patients, there were no surgical or wound complications in any patient, and the histopathological result was leiomyoma in all 15 patients.

Conclusion

The procedure is feasible and safe in selected patients with symptomatic myomas.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00464-020-08044-y.

Comparison of the Number of Spindle Cells in Peritoneal Washings between Laparoscopic Myomectomy with Morcellation and Open Myomectomy without Morcellation

STUDY OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated peritoneal washings for the detection of spindle cells (SCs) in laparoscopic and open myomectomies.

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial.

SETTING

An academic tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Women suspected of having benign uterine myoma undergoing laparoscopic or open myomectomy from October 2016 to April 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

Washing of the peritoneal cavity to detect SCs was performed twice during the laparoscopic myomectomy. The first washing was after the closure of the myometrial incision and before morcellation. The second one was performed after morcellation. The procedure was also performed once during the open myomectomy, after the completion of the myomectomy and the closure of the incision. After a peritoneal washing with 200 mL normal saline, 30 mL liquid was collected and sent to the laboratory for SC detection. Surgical parameters such as operating time, mean change in serum hemoglobin level, complications, length of hospital stay, and readmission were compared between the 2 groups.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 150 participants were included in the analysis: 78 in the laparoscopic group and 72 in the open myomectomy group. After morcellation, the incidence of SCs was 2.6% (n = 2) and 6.9% (n = 5) in the laparoscopic and open myomectomy groups, respectively (p = .204).

CONCLUSION

SCs were observed in both the laparoscopic and open myomectomy groups. Thus, morcellation alone could not be the cause for SC dissemination, which might also be triggered by the manipulation of myoma(s).

Safety of Minimally Invasive Tissue Extraction in Myoma Management: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

This review seeks to establish the incidence of adverse outcomes associated with minimally invasive tissue extraction at the time of surgical procedures for myomas.

DATA SOURCES

Articles published in the following databases without date restrictions: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Trials. Search was conducted on March 25, 2020.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Included studies evaluated minimally invasive surgical procedures for uterine myomas involving morcellation. This review did not consider studies of nonuterine tissue morcellation, studies involving uterine procedures other than hysterectomy or myomectomy, studies involving morcellation of known malignancies, nor studies concerning hysteroscopic myomectomy. A total of 695 studies were reviewed, with 185 studies included for analysis.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The following variables were extracted: patient demographics, study type, morcellation technique, and adverse outcome category. Adverse outcomes included prolonged operative time, morcellation time, blood loss, direct injury from a morcellator, dissemination of tissue (benign or malignant), and disruption of the pathologic specimen.

CONCLUSION

Complications related to morcellation are rare; however, there is a great need for higher quality studies to evaluate associated adverse outcomes.

Ectopic leiomyoma as a late complication of laparoscopic hysterectomy with power morcellation: a case report and review of the literature

Introduction: Electromechanical power morcellation is a widely used technique to extract uterine fibroids during laparoscopic hysterectomy. Although the complication rate of morcellators is low, ectopic leiomyoma can appear several years after their use.Patients and methods: We present a case of an ectopic leiomyoma and a literature review of power morcellation-induced complications and ectopic leiomyoma.Results: A 49-year-old female presented with epigastric pain 12 years after laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy with morcellation of the specimen. Radiological examinations revealed an epigastric mass of 45 mm that was laparoscopically removed. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an ectopic leiomyoma. Complications of power morcellation are rarely reported and include perioperative injuries to bowel, vascular and urinary tract, spreading of ectopic leiomyoma and occult malignancy.Conclusions: Ectopic leiomyoma are a late and rare complication of a laparoscopic hysterectomy with power morcellation of the uterus.

No 371 - Le morcellement durant la chirurgie gynécologique: Son utilisation, ses complications et les risques liés à la présence de tumeurs malignes insoupçonnées

OBJECTIF

La présente directive clinique conseille les gynécologues quant au recours au morcellement tissulaire pendant une chirurgie gynécologique. RéSULTATS: Le morcellement effectué au cours d'une chirurgie gynécologique peut permettre l'ablation de masses utérines volumineuses, offrant ainsi aux femmes une solution chirurgicale à effraction minimale. Les conséquences oncologiques indésirables du morcellement tissulaire devraient être atténuées par l'amélioration de la sélection des patientes, la tenue d'examens préopératoires et l'adoption de techniques novatrices réduisant au minimum la dispersion tissulaire. ÉVIDENCE: La littérature publiée a été récupérée au moyen de recherches menées dans PubMed et Medline au printemps 2014 à l'aide d'une terminologie contrôlée (« leiomyosarcoma », « uterine neoplasm », « uterine myomectomy », « hysterectomy ») et de mots-clés (« leiomyoma », « endometrial cancer », « uterine sarcoma », « leiomyosarcoma », « morcellation »). Les résultats retenus provenaient de revues systématiques, d'essais cliniques randomisés, d'essais cliniques contrôlés et d'études observationnelles de langue anglaise ou française. Aucune restriction de date n'a été imposée. Les recherches ont été refaites régulièrement, et les résultats ont été incorporés à la directive clinique jusqu'en juillet 2017. Nous avons également tenu compte de la littérature grise (non publiée) trouvée sur les sites Web d'organismes d'évaluation des technologies de la santé et d'autres organismes liés aux technologies de la santé, dans des collections de directives cliniques et dans des registres d'essais cliniques, et obtenue auprès d'associations nationales et internationales de médecins spécialistes.

VALEURS

La qualité des données probantes a été évaluée en fonction des critères décrits dans le rapport du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs. AVANTAGES, INCONVéNIENTS ET COûTS: Les gynécologues offrent aux femmes une chirurgie à effraction minimale pouvant comprendre le recours à un morcellateur électromécanique pour faciliter le retrait des tissus. Les femmes devraient être informées que l'utilisation d'un morcellateur en présence de tumeurs utérines (sarcomes, tumeurs endométriales), cervicales ou tubo-ovariennes jusque-là insoupçonnées est associée à un risque accru de dissémination. Le morcellement tissulaire devrait être précédé d'une évaluation complète, d'une sélection appropriée des patientes et de l'obtention du consentement éclairé de ces dernières, et devrait être effectué par des chirurgiens ayant une formation adéquate en matière de pratiques de morcellement tissulaire sûres. DéCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.

No. 371-Morcellation During Gynaecologic Surgery: Its Uses, Complications, and Risks of Unsuspected Malignancy

OBJECTIVE

This guideline provides guidance to gynaecologists regarding the use of tissue morcellation in gynaecologic surgery.

OUTCOMES

Morcellation may be used in gynaecologic surgery to allow removal of large uterine specimens, thus providing women with a minimally invasive surgical option. Adverse oncologic outcomes of tissue morcellation should be mitigated through improved patient selection, preoperative investigations, and novel techniques that minimize tissue dispersion.

EVIDENCE

Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed and Medline in the spring of 2014 using appropriate controlled vocabulary (leiomyosarcoma, uterine neoplasm, uterine myomectomy, hysterectomy) and key words (leiomyoma, endometrial cancer, uterine sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and morcellation). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date limits, but results were limited to English or French language materials. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to July 2017. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies.

VALUES

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.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

Gynaecologists 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, endometrial), cervical, and/or tubo-ovarian cancer, the use of a morcellator is associated with increased risk of tumour dissemination. Tissue morcellation should be performed only after complete investigation, appropriate patient selection, and informed consent and by surgeons with appropriate training in the safe practices of tissue morcellation.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Morcellation of the Uterus: Is There Any Place?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper aims to review recent findings related to uterine morcellation.

RECENT FINDINGS

In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication warning against the use of laparoscopic power morcellators. A risk of occult uterine sarcoma in women is 1/770 to 1/10,000. Our goal is to minimize the risk of spillage due to morcellation and balance it with other risks due to different surgical approaches. In case of a presence of sarcoma risk factors, any form of morcellation should be contraindicated. Power morcellation should be limited to myomectomies. In peri- and postmenopausal age, an endometrial biopsy is highly recommended before surgery with expected morcellation. It is important to explain to the patient the risks of morcellation and the risks and benefits of different surgical approaches. Finally, women should be informed that the prognosis of leiomyosarcoma is poor regardless of the method of removal.

Rethinking the Issue of Power Morcellation of Uterine Fibroids: Is Morcellation the Real Problem or Is this Another Symptom of Disparity in Healthcare Provision?

Power morcellation remains one of the most significant developments in minimal access surgery over the past decade, allowing many more patients to benefit from the least invasive surgical route. However, its use is not without controversy, particularly with regards to the risks of an undiagnosed leiomyosarcoma. Increased media and, in particular, on-going social media coverage since events in 2014 have only served to intensify the debate, culminating in the Food and Drug Administration essentially 'banning' its use in the USA. Practice however continues to vary and this technique remains widely used in Europe and in particular the UK. The aim of this article was to review the development of power morcellation in gynaecology and the underlying risks, including that of undiagnosed leiomyosarcoma, as well as appraise the evolving literature on patient awareness and informed consent and the wider implications of morcellation restriction.

Iatrogenic endometriosis following apical pelvic organ prolapse surgery: a case report

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic endometriosis is the presence of endometrial glands and stroma out of the uterus following certain surgical interventions. The rate of iatrogenic endometriosis after gynecologic surgeries due to benign uterine disease is 1-2%. Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is also a part of frequently used surgical treatment of apical pelvic organ prolapse, which is followed by sacrocervicopexy. However, there are no data about iatrogenic endometriosis after apical prolapse surgery in the current literature. Herein, we present a case report of a patient diagnosed with de novo endometriosis 1 year after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and sacrocervicopexy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 46-year-old parous Slavic woman who underwent laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and sacrocervicopexy secondary to grade 3 symptomatic apical prolapse 1 year earlier was admitted to the same clinic with pelvic pain that had started 6 months following surgery. Deep vaginal palpation was painful. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed an area with hypervascularization on the sacral promontory. She was scheduled for diagnostic laparoscopy. A 2 × 2-cm solid, wine-colored, hypervascular hemorrhagic lesion was seen on the sacral promontory. The lesion and the peritoneal layer behind it were totally excised. The patient was discharged on the first postoperative day, without any complications. Pathologic examination revealed foci of endometriosis comprising endometrial glands and stroma within the connective tissue, along with hemosiderin-laden macrophages. The symptoms of the patient resolved after the surgery, and no further adjuvant treatment was needed.

CONCLUSION

Although the rate of iatrogenic endometriosis is low after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and sacrocervicopexy, the possibility of the occurrence of iatrogenic endometriosis should be discussed with patients who are diagnosed with apical prolapse to determine the type of surgical intervention. Iatrogenic endometriosis should be kept in mind for differential diagnosis in case of pain after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and sacrocervicopexy.

The Morcellation "Debate" and the FDA 510(k) Process-A Call for Further Reform

Importance

Few gynecologic surgeons understand the mechanism by which surgical instruments are approved for human use and marketing or do they appreciate the central role they play in postmarket surveillance and reporting after instruments have come to market.

Objective

Using the experience with the uterine morcellator, this review will detail the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) system for approving surgical instruments and the potential pitfalls of this process.

Evidence Acquisition

Literature review and public documents from the FDA.

Results

The FDA 510(k) approval process for surgical instruments relies largely on postmarket surveillance as exemplified by the uterine power morcellator, which was approved before sufficient evidence was available regarding its potential harms.

Conclusions

The current system currently transfers the responsibility of ensuring safety and efficacy to the public, patients, and providers. To minimize potential harm, the FDA needs to incorporate a greater standard of evidence into its framework for the approval and regulation of medical devices. The burden of these requirements should be borne at least in part by the companies bringing equipment to market.

Relevance

It is incumbent on all surgeons to be vigilant in their objective critical assessment of new instrumentation and report their outcomes after they come to market.

Cell Spillage after Contained Electromechanical Morcellation Using a Specially Designed In-Bag System for Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Prospective Cohort Pilot Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Few reports have investigated the use of endoscopic retrieval bags in the context of laparoscopic myomectomy with electromechanical morcellation. We performed a leak test of a specially designed endoscopic bag system in women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy with contained electromechanical morcellation.

DESIGN CLASSIFICATION

Prospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-one women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy with contained electromechanical morcellation.

INTERVENTIONS

Electromechanical morcellation was introduced for large specimen extraction during laparoscopic procedures. Complications such as retained/disseminated parasitic tissue were documented.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Systematic peritoneal washings were performed at 3 specific times: at baseline, T1, once the peritoneal cavity was accessed laparoscopically; T2, when the myometrial incision was closed after myomectomy; and T3, after contained electromechanical morcellation. After retrieval of the endoscopic bag from the abdominal cavity, visual inspection and water test on the bag with NaCl infiltration were performed to detect leaks attributed to intraoperative perforations. A pathologist performed cytologic analyses on the 3 washings. The mean endoscopic bag procedure duration was 9 minutes. The use of a specially designed endoscopic bag system was found to be easy in 45% of cases, and no complications were reported. Cytologic washings were positive for smooth muscle cell detection in 8 cases (25.8%) at T2 and 3 cases (9.7%) at T3. All positive cases at T3 already had detectable smooth muscle cells at T2. After retrieval from the abdominal cavity, perforations on the optic access of the endoscopic bag were observed in 3 cases.

CONCLUSION

The results from this pilot study are encouraging. The use of a specially designed endoscopic bag system could be an adjuvant to reduce the risk of disseminating cells during myomectomy.

Proportion of Uterine Malignant Tumors in Patients with Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A National Multicenter Study in China

Background:

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced that the use of morcellation may cause fibroids or pelvic dissemination and metastasis of uterine sarcoma; therefore, the use of morcellation is limited in the USA. A large sample study is necessary to assess the proportion of uterine malignant tumors found in patients with laparoscopic myomectomy.

Methods:

A national multicenter study was performed in China. From 2002 to 2014, 33,723 cases were retrospectively selected. We calculated the prevalence and recorded the clinical characteristics of the patients with malignancy after morcellation application. A total of 62 cases were finally pathologically confirmed as malignant postoperatively. Additionally, the medical records of the 62 patients were analyzed in details.

Results:

The proportion of postoperative malignancy after morcellation application was 0.18% (62/33,723) for patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. Nearly 62.9% (39/62) of patients had demonstrated blood flow signals in the uterine fibroids before surgery. And, 23 (37.1%) patients showed rapid growth at the final preoperative ultrasound. With respect to the pathological types, 38 (61.3%) patients had detectable endometrial stromal sarcoma, 13 (21.0%) had detectable uterine leiomyosarcoma, only 3 (3.2%) had detectable carcinosarcoma, and 5 (8.1%) patients with leiomyoma had an undetermined malignant potential.

Conclusions:

The proportion of malignancy is low after using morcellation in patients who undergo laparoscopic myomectomy. Patients with fast-growing uterine fibroids and abnormal ultrasonic tumor blood flow should be considered for malignant potential, and morcellation should be avoided.

Prevention and Management of Complications in Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Myomectomy aims to preserve fertility, treat abnormal uterine bleeding, and alleviate pain. It should cause minimal damage to the endometrium, while being tolerable and durable, and reduce the incidence of myoma recurrence and complications including bleeding, hematoma, adhesions, and gravid uterus perforation. Training and experience are crucial to reduce complications. The surgical strategy depends on imaging information on the myomas. The position of the optical and secondary ports will determine the degree of ergonomic surgery performance, time and difficulty of myoma enucleation, and the suturing quality. Appropriate hysterotomy length relative to myoma size can decrease bleeding, coagulation, and suturing times. Bipolar coagulation of large vessels, while avoiding carbonization and myometrium gaps after suturing, may decrease the risk of myometrial hematoma. Quality surgery and the use of antiadhesive barriers may reduce the risk of postoperative adhesions. Slow rotation of the beveled morcellator and good control of the bag could reduce de novo myoma and endometriosis. Low intra-abdominal CO2 pressure may reduce the risk of benign and malignant cell dissemination. The benefits a patient gains from laparoscopic myomectomy are greater than the complication risks of laparoscopic morcellation. Recent publications on laparoscopic myomectomies demonstrate reduced hospitalization stays, postoperative pain, blood loss, and recovery compared to open surgery.

In-bag power morcellation technique in single-port laparoscopic myomectomy

OBJECTIVE

This study introduces and evaluates the feasibility, safety, and surgical outcomes of the in-bag power morcellation technique during single-port assisted (SPA) laparoscopic myomectomy in comparison with manual scalpel morcellation.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of a total of 58 patients who underwent SPA laparoscopic myomectomy employing in-bag power morcellation (n=27) or manual scalpel morcellation (n=31), performed between December 2014 and December 2016. Surgical outcomes, including total operation time, estimated blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin changes, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pain (visual analog scale), perioperative and postoperative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

The demographics and patient characteristics were similar between both groups. The median patient age was 34 years and median body mass index was 20.84 kg/m2. The median specimen weight was 110 g. The median operating time was 138 minutes. The median estimated blood loss was 50 mL and the median postoperative hemoglobin change was 2.2 g/dL. The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days and the median postoperative pain scores were 5 after 6 hours, 3 after 24 hours, and 2 after 48 hours. Occult malignancy was not identified in any patients. There were no intraoperative complications such as LapBag ruptures or gross spillage.

CONCLUSION

In-bag power morcellation for SPA laparoscopic myomectomy is feasible and safe, minimizing the risks of open power morcellation. There were also no statistically significant differences in surgical outcomes.

Laparoscopic myomectomy and morcellation: A review of techniques, outcomes, and practice guidelines

Laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive surgical approach to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids in women wishing for a uterine-sparing procedure. With careful patient selection, these procedures are associated with favorable reproductive outcomes and low perioperative morbidity. Current available methods for specimen retrieval include power and hand morcellation. The 2014 FDA safety warnings regarding power morcellation arose from concerns about the spread of occult malignancy and prompted widespread use of containment systems that may limit spread of myometrial cells. Investigation into the clinical effects of laparoscopic myomectomy and uncontained morcellation on the prognosis and spread of occult leiomyosarcoma has yielded mixed results. Other complications of uncontained power morcellation exist, including the development of parasitic leiomyomas. The FDA safety warnings have greatly influenced trends in benign gynecologic surgery, and survey data reflect trends in providers' opinions of these trends. In conclusion, recommendations for the current practice of laparoscopic myomectomy and morcellation are reviewed.

Tissue Extraction Techniques During Laparoscopic Uterine Surgery

Morcellation allows minimally invasive approaches to surgery even in the presence of large uteri or myomas. Recent restrictions in the use of power morcellation, as well as concerns regarding the potential for morcellation to disseminate malignant tissue, have initiated investigation and innovation to find safer methods. This review examines current techniques for tissue extraction during uterine surgery, with a focus on contained power morcellation and contained manual morcellation via mini-laparotomy or colpotomy. Videos are included to demonstrate these methods.

Systematic review of the limited evidence for different surgical techniques at benign hysterectomy: A clinical guideline initiated by the Danish Health Authority

Hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions is a common operation that has developed extensively through the last 20 years. Methods and surgical techniques vary throughout the regions in Denmark as well as internationally. Consequently, the Danish Health Authority initiated a national clinical guideline on the subject based on a systematic review of the literature. A guideline panel of seven gynecologists formulated the clinical questions for the guideline. A search specialist performed the comprehensive literature search. The guideline panel reviewed the literature and rated the quality of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Finally, the panel weighted the evidence and formulated the clinical recommendations. Based on the limited available literature and the corresponding quality of evidence according to GRADE, the guideline panel gave the following recommendations: ↓ Subtotal hysterectomy should only be preferred over total hysterectomy after careful consideration because there are documented disadvantages such as persistent cyclic vaginal bleeding (⊕ΟΟΟ). ↑ Consider vaginal hysterectomy rather than conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy for non-prolapsed uteri when feasible (⊕ΟΟΟ). ↓ Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy should only be preferred over conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy after careful consideration because the beneficial effect is uncertain and because of the longer operating time (⊕⊕ΟΟ). ↑ Consider concomitant bilateral salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy if the procedure is not considered to increase the risk of complications significantly (⊕ΟΟΟ). ↑ Consider vaginal vault suspension to the cardinal and the uterosacral ligaments when performing hysterectomy for non-prolapsed uteri (⊕ΟΟΟ). Though supporting evidence is missing, the guideline panel emphasizes that it is good practice not to morcellate uteri with presumed fibroids inside the peritoneal cavity (√). The recommendations serve as professional advice in specific clinical situations. The implementation of the guideline in Denmark will be monitored through the national Danish Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy Database.

A Primer to the Structure, Content and Linkage of the FDA's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) Files

Introduction and Background:

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database is a publicly available resource providing over 4 million records relating to medical device safety. Using downloadable MAUDE files avoids limitations of the online MAUDE search interface. However, naive file usage can result in errors, while independent discovery of the nuances required to correctly work with the database can be time-consuming. Practical information is provided to shorten this learning curve and obtain accurate results when using the MAUDE database files.

MAUDE File Descriptions:

The MAUDE database consists of 135 fields in four primary (Master Event, Device, Patient, Text) and two supplemental (Device Problems and Problem Code Descriptions) file types. When combined, these six files provide a detailed account of an adverse event or product problem report. Website instructions for joining the files are incomplete. Comprehensive details are provided to enable precise file linking.

Lessons Learned:

MAUDE files have irregularities that must be understood to download and work with the data efficiently. Accurate results depend upon combining the files correctly and understanding the difference between report and event denominators. Appreciating data availability can facilitate successful MAUDE investigations.

Conclusion:

The MAUDE database can provide key insights about medical device safety. Detailed information is provided about the structure, content and interrelationships of the MAUDE database files to enable investigators to use this valuable resource more quickly and accurately.

Disseminated Peritoneal Leiomyomatosis Status Post Laparoscopic Hysterectomy with Morcellation

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are common benign neoplasms, which develop from the muscular tissue of the uterus with an estimated incidence of 20-40% in women of reproductive age. In the early nineties, power morcellators were introduced and became commonly used during hysterectomy for symptomatic fibroids. However, if all fragments are not removed, they may parasitize to other blood supply and present as abdominal or pelvic masses. Unfortunate cases have also been reported in which uterine sarcomas seeded throughout the abdomen and pelvis secondary to morcellation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 1 in 350 women undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy for fibroids is found to have an unsuspected uterine sarcoma. As a result, the FDA issued a press release in 2014 discouraging the use of power morcellators. Recently, the FDA approved a new containment device, the PneumoLiner, for use with certain power morcellation devices. However, it is unknown if this device will help to reduce the risk of seeding fibroids and unsuspected uterine malignancies. We present a case in which a patient who underwent morcellation therapy for symptomatic fibroids presented with recurrent abdominal and pelvic leiomyomas mimicking malignancy.

Contained Morcellation: Review of Current Methods and Future Directions

Power morcellation of surgical specimen during laparoscopic surgery is a practical technology that provides the opportunity to perform several minimally invasive procedures. However, this technology brought forward additional risks and complications associated with dissemination of both benign and malignant tissues inside the abdominal cavity. Based on startling cases, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a discouraging statement on the use of power morcellators that decreased the number of minimally invasive approaches in the following period. As a response to these concerns and negative impacts of the FDA statement, researchers developed several new approaches resulting in contained or in-bag morcellation methods. In this review, we aimed to discuss these current methods and provide an insight for future developments.

Power Morcellation Using a Contained Bag System

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The well-known advantages of minimally invasive surgery make the approach well suited for hysterectomy and other gynecological procedures. The removal of specimens excised during surgery has been a challenge that has been answered by the use of power morcellation. With this study we sought to assess the feasibility of power morcellation within a specimen bag.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study including patients from a private practice in suburban Chicago, Illinois, who underwent contained electromechanical power morcellation during a laparoscopic or robot-assisted hysterectomy or myomectomy from May 2014 through December 2015. Contained power morcellation was performed with the Espiner EcoSac 230 (Espiner Medical Ltd., North Somerset, United Kingdom) specimen bag. Descriptive statistics were performed for both categorical and continuous data.

RESULTS

Of the 187 procedures performed, 73.8% were myomectomies, and 26.2% were hysterectomies. The patients' mean age was 40 (range, 25-54) years and mean body mass index was 28.7 (range, 17.3-57.6). The average specimen weight was 300 g, with the largest weighing 2134 g. Estimated blood loss averaged 98.4 mL. The postoperative admission rate was 12.3%, most of which were due to nausea and urinary retention. Seventeen patients (9.1%) had postoperative complications, most of which were minor, and 4 (2.1%) were readmitted. There were no bag failures or complications that were due to the use of the specimen bag or to power morcellation.

CONCLUSIONS

Performing electromechanical power morcellation within the Espiner EcoSac 230 specimen bag was successfully performed in 187 patients with no bag-related complications. This method of contained power morcellation is feasible, reliable, and reproducible, even for a large specimen.

A Laparoscopic Morcellator Redesign to Constrain Tissue Using Integrated Gripping Teeth

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of the uterus through an abdominal keyhole incision. Morcellators have been specifically designed for this task, but their use has been discouraged by the food and drug administration (FDA) since November 2014 because of risks of cancerous tissue spread. The use of laparoscopic bags to catch and contain tissue debris has been suggested, but this does not solve the root cause of tissue spread. The fundamental problem lies in the tendency of the tissue mass outside the morcellation tube to rotate along with the cutting blade, causing tissue to be spread through the abdomen. This paper presents a bio-inspired concept that constrains the tissue mass in the advent of its rotation in order to improve the overall morcellation efficacy and reduce tissue spread. A design of gripping teeth integrated into the inner diameter of the morcellation tube is proposed. Various tooth geometries were developed and evaluated through an iterative process in order to maximize the gripping forces of these teeth. The maximum gripping force was determined through the measurement of force–displacement curves during the gripping of gelatin and bovine tissue samples. The results indicate that a tooth ring with a diameter of 15 mm can provide a torque resistance of 1.9 Ncm. Finally, a full morcellation instrument concept design is provided.

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery for Benign Conditions: Progress and Challenges

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to evaluate the progress made in laparoscopic and hysteroscopic gynecologic surgery and address challenges still faced by surgeons using minimally invasive techniques to improve the care of women with noncancerous gynecologic problems.

METHODS

Relevant literature was reviewed and evidence-based arguments put forward in the article for the progress that has been made and the deficiencies that still exist.

RESULTS

In the last 2 decades, enormous progress has been made in providing minimally invasive surgical options for women with gynecologic diseases. The progress has been especially striking in the performance of hysterectomy, the most common major surgery performed on nonpregnant women. The recent controversy over power morcellation has revealed a poor understanding of the literature concerning leiomyosarcoma leading to confusion and consequently denial of minimally invasive surgical options for many women. Hysteroscopic surgery has been evolving rapidly with the development of hysteroscopic morcellator, global endometrial ablation systems, and hysteroscopic tubal sterilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Although huge advances have been made in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, high-quality evidence from well-designed clinical trials is lacking for many of the new technologies. Accurate estimates regarding the risk of occult leiomyosarcoma are also lacking. Additional research is urgently needed to address these deficiencies.