Have You Had a Hysterectomy or Removal of Uterine Fibroids? Morcellator Device Withdrawn From Market Due To Cancer Risk

Have You Had a Hysterectomy or Removal of Uterine Fibroids? Morcellator Device Withdrawn From Market Due To Cancer Risk

Last Updated: February 4th, 2026

In a front-page story, the Wall Street Journal (7/30) reports that the pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & Johnson, is withdrawing its laparoscopic power morcellator due to data showing that it can spread undetected cancer.

This important story has also been reported by Bloomberg News (7/31), Reuters (7/30), USA Today (7/31), the AP (7/30), the Pittsburgh Business Times (7/30) and TIME (7/30).

The morcellator tool is used during uterine procedures to “slice up common uterine masses called fibroids, and uteruses themselves, into fragments so they can be removed in minimally invasive surgery.” (Wall Street Journal, 7/30)

J&J previously suspended the sale of new morcellators in April after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety communication advising doctors not to use the tool.

Specifically,FDA concluded that “based on an analysis of currently available data, it poses a risk of spreading unsuspected cancerous tissue, notably uterine sarcomas, beyond the uterus.”

The FDA determined that approximately 1 in 350 women who are undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy for fibroids have an unsuspected type of uterine cancer called uterine sarcoma.

It further noted, “If laparoscopic power morcellation is performed in these women, there is a risk that the procedure will spread the cancerous tissue within the abdomen and pelvis, significantly worsening the patient’s likelihood of long-term survival.”

According to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in March, more than 20,000 minimally invasive or robotic hysterectomies are done annually.

The law firm of Zoll & Kranz (“ZK”) devotes its practice to the field of pharmaceutical and medical device litigation.

Zoll & Kranz is dedicated to compelling companies to produce safer products.

Injured clients and partnering attorneys from across the U.S. appreciate and rely upon over 50 years of combined experience in pharmaceutical mass torts and multidistrict litigation.

Zoll & Kranz’s experienced team includes a practicing physician-attorney and all the technology, knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in this complex legal field.

Zoll & Kranz is currently investigating claims of individuals who were diagnosed with cancer after a uterine procedure using a power morcellator device.

For more information about morcellators or if you were diagnosed with cancer after a hysterectomy or myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids) using a power morcellator device, contact Zoll & Kranz toll-free at (419) 827-3194 or visit the firm’s website at www.toledolaw.com.

Initial consultations are always free and confidential.

Published by:

Michelle L. Kranz

Michelle is a founding partner of Zoll & Kranz, located in Toledo, Ohio. Michelle has been a plaintiff’s lawyer for the entirety of her practice – over 32 years. She devotes the majority of her time to complex consolidated litigation and class action including advocating for people injured by medical devices, prescription medications, or corporate negligence.

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and attorneys at Zoll & Kranz, LLC and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced Ohio injury lawyer, Michelle L. Kranz, you can do so here.

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Zoll & Kranz, LLC does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

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