From the Editor
Options for reducing the use of open power morcellation of uterine tumors
The most promising alternative to open power morcellation is morcellation in a bag, described here
I did not anticipate that, in addition to the normal fears and anxieties of upcoming surgery, I would also have to wonder if I will receive a phone call from the medical center telling me I cannot have surgery because morcellation has been prohibited.
I am relatively young, I have no family history of cancer, and I have 7 years’ worth of MRIs and ultrasounds to show that it is extremely unlikely that I have uterine cancer. I am well aware of the risks, and as an informed adult, I feel it is unconscionable for anybody to tell me that I cannot have the surgery of my choice simply because a very small number of women could be at risk. A greater number of women would be more at risk from having open surgery (blood loss, infection, thromboembolism, urinary and bowel incontinence, greater pain, longer recovery, etc.). Nearly every woman older than age 50 in my family has had an abdominal hysterectomy, with a long and painful recovery. I don’t want that.
I am so lucky to live in a time when surgery has advanced and there are less invasive options. This issue is about choice. Women are constantly having choices infringed upon by the government and its agencies. It’s time to return this operative choice to us.
A patient
Los Angeles, California
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