FDA Discourages Laparoscopic Power Morcellation Method For Removal Of Uterus

(RTTNews) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA is warning doctors against use of laparoscopic power morcellation for removal of uterus or uterine fibroids without open surgery, as it is likely to spread cancer cells. The agency also said there is no reliable way to determine if a uterine fibroid is cancerous prior to removal.

In laparoscopic power morcellation, the tissue or growths are shaved and removed through the tiny holes used to insert the equipment.

According to FDA, 1 in 350 women who get a hysterectomy or have their fibroids removed have a type of cancer that can spread beyond the uterus. The spreading of cancer to other parts of the body can significantly worsen the woman's chances of long-term survival, the agency said.

It has also urged the companies that make equipment for the procedure, including Johnson & Johnson Co. (JNJ), to ensure they give accurate information about the risks on their product materials.