Impact of power morcellator removal on hysterectomy practice patterns

Surgical practice patterns changed for our group of 8 gynecologists in the year after a laparoscopic power morcellator was withdrawn. Though open hysterectomies did not increase, no laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomies were performed. Total laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies and bilateral salpingectomies increased, with reliance on transvaginal uterine tissue-removal techniques. Patient outcomes including surgical infections, length of surgery, estimated blood loss and total hospital stay did not change. Our results suggest that experienced vaginal surgeons can adapt to removal of important surgical equipment and continue to provide minimally invasive hysterectomies without compromising patient outcomes and safety.