“We also heard from physicians about the guidelines,” he added, referring to informed consent protocols developed by a group of “key opinion leaders in gynecologic oncology and minimally invasive gynecology.” Many institutions developed moratoriums against the use of power morcellation in the wake of the FDA communication, but the Carolinas HealthCare System chose to commission these opinion leaders to address the issue, he explained.
“Interestingly enough, some [survey respondents] were not aware that the guidelines were available. Most (74.6%) thought that they were helpful when they actually reviewed them, and a few said that they were not helpful,” he said, noting that most of those who found the guidelines helpful said they felt that way because the guidelines “provide a standard of care and a possible defense against litigation.”
Analyses with respect to changes in practice after the FDA communication are ongoing but suggest that changes occurred mainly in the approach to myomectomies rather than in hysterectomy routes, Dr. Taylor said.
“We’re looking to see if there was increased use of minilaparotomy, and we are looking at the use of concealed morcellation bags right now,” he said.