Morcellators Lawsuit Information
Power morcellators are surgical tools used for removing fibroids. Morcellators became popular because they involve only a small incision through which a surgeon can cut (or “morcellate”) tissue and remove it in pieces from the patient’s body. This less invasive procedure allows patients a speedier recovery and is also considered easier to perform than traditional surgery.
Medical studies show, however, that power morcellation can leave behind tissue fragments and propel hidden cancer cells throughout the body.
Morcellator lawsuits are now underway to compensate women and families who were not warned about the known cancer-spreading risk posed by morcellators prior to surgery.
Cancer Risk from Morcellation
An estimated 55,000 women in the U.S. undergo hysterectomy or myomectomy operations each year using power morcellators to remove fibroids. In some cases, the suspected fibroids are tested and identified after surgery as uterine sarcoma, a serious type of uterine cancer. When uterine sarcoma is present during surgery, morcellation can leave behind fragments of malignant tissue and spread cancer cells to the abdomen or pelvis. The procedure can worsen a patient’s prognosis when compared to traditional hysterectomy whereby the uterus is removed intact or when compared to leaving uterine sarcoma simply untreated.
As the Wall Street Journal has reported, doctors at Harvard Medical School and Boston University estimate that uterine morcellation “results in hundreds of avoidable deaths each year.”
In November 2014, the FDA instructed doctors to immediately discontinue use of power morcellators in the vast majority of cases to address what the agency deemed “a significant public health issue.”
Morcellator Lawsuits Allege Failure to Warn
Our attorneys are reviewing evidence that the manufacturers of power morcellators were aware their devices could rapidly spread cancerous tissue yet failed to disclose safety concerns to patients and doctors.
In December 2013, medical researchers uncovered data dating as far back as 2003 suggesting a link between morcellators and a heightened risk of cancer.
Morcellator lawsuits are based on allegations that the manufacturers were aware of this data while continuing to market the devices as safe and effective. Morcellator lawsuits further allege that manufacturers widely promoted morcellation procedures to surgeons without conducting clinical trials in patients beforehand to uncover safety concerns.
An increasing number of women now report being diagnosed with Stage IV cancer following laparoscopic surgery using morcellators.
Review Your Morcellator Lawsuit with an Attorney
If you were diagnosed with cancer following a hysterectomy or myomectomy performed with a power morcellator you may have important legal rights. Our firm has over 25 years’ experience dedicated to helping victims of defective drugs and medical devices. We invite you to contact our office for a confidential review of your case at no cost.