Are Laparoscopic Power Morcellators Safe?
Laparoscopic power morcellators are devices commonly used for procedures like hysterectomies and myomectomies, but they have recently been linked to uterine cancer.
A recent MedScape article revealed 0.6 percent of women who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy with power morcellation received diagnoses of uterine sarcoma. Researchers discovered the percentage after reviewing the medical records of 3,523 women.
Are There Cancer Risks with Power Morcellation?
While the study number may seem low, uterine sarcomas are incredibly rare—they are malignant tumors of uterine connective tissue. A common type of uterine sarcoma is leiomyosarcoma. According to the American Cancer Society’s estimates, 52,630 new cases of cancer of the uterine corpus are diagnosed each year, but only about 1,600 of the cases involve uterine sarcomas.
Doctors are now studying the effects of power morcellation and looking at alternative ways to perform minimally invasive hysterectomies. The device spreading cancer to other parts of the body and pelvis is also a major concern.
Can I File a Power Morcellator Lawsuit?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has discouraged the use of laparoscopic power morcellation for the removal of the uterus or uterine fibroids because of the risks associated with uterine sarcomas. Due to potential product defect issues, the manufacturing company, Johnson & Johnson, agreed to withdraw the medical devices from the market in July 2014.
If you have suffered injuries because of laparoscopic power morcellation, speak to our attorneys. Our firm is continuing to investigate the use of this device and is offering free initial consultations to victims.
Zoll & Kranz, LLC – Defective Medical Drug and Device Lawyers
ZK’s Tidbit: An estimated 8,500 women die each year in the U.S. due to cancer of the uterine corpus.