uterine morcellation
Pronunciation: mor-sel-AY-shun
Surgical technique involving cutting uterine tissue into smaller pieces for removal through small incisions.
Full Definition
Uterine morcellation is a surgical technique used during minimally invasive procedures to fragment large uterine specimens into smaller pieces for extraction through small laparoscopic ports. This technique allows for the removal of large uteri or fibroids that would otherwise require a larger abdominal incision. However, morcellation has come under scrutiny due to the risk of spreading occult malignancy, particularly leiomyosarcoma. Power morcellation is now contraindicated in cases where malignancy cannot be ruled out, and contained morcellation techniques have been developed to minimize tissue dissemination.
Usage
Usage note: Spell as 'morcellation' not 'morselation' - derived from the French 'morceler'.
In Context
- "Power morcellation was avoided due to the possibility of occult leiomyosarcoma." — Operative note
- "The FDA issued warnings regarding uncontained uterine morcellation in 2014." — Medical journal article