{Power Morcellator} Hysterectomy or Fibroid Removal Tools Can Increase Risk of Cancer

Power morcellators are cutting tools used in minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy and myomectomies (procedures to remove fibroids) to remove the uterus or fibroids through a small incision. Unfortunately, the use of power morcellators creates a serious health risk for women with undetected uterine cancer. When used in women with undetected uterine cancer, the morcellator, which acts similar to a hand blender, essentially distributes cancer cells throughout the pelvis – potentially accelerating the growth of the cancer and/or seeding it in different areas of the body. The FDA has estimated that as many as 1 in 350 women undergoing a hysterectomy or myomectomy may have undetected uterine cancer.

In April 2014, the FDA issued a warning that the use of power morcellators may spread cancer throughout a woman’s body before doctors are aware of a malignancy. As a result, Johnson & Johnson has halted sales of these surgical tools, only after they were used in thousands of procedures.

If you or a loved one had a hysterectomy, fibroid removal or other surgical procedure where a power morcellator was used and were subsequently diagnosed with cancer including uterine sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, or other cancers, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Attorneys are leading the fight against the manufacturers of these surgical tools on behalf of women nationwide. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.