FDA Discourages Uterine Procedure for Cancer Threat

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning doctors against using a popular method to remove the uterus or uterine fibroids without open surgery because it can spread cancer cells.

The technique, called laparoscopic power morcellation, involves shaving down the tissue or growths into pieces that can be removed through the tiny holes used to insert the equipment. The agency found that 1 in 350 women who get a hysterectomy or have their fibroids removed have a type of cancer that can spread beyond the uterus with the approach.