Power Morcellators used during surgery

A new study has found that the use of power Morcellators, cutting tools used in gynecological procedures, has dramatically decreased, particularly for hysterectomies, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against their use about two years ago. According to a news report in the Chicago Tribune, use of this device has significantly come down after the FDA’s advisory that they could increase the risk of aggressive forms of cancer. This announcement along with claims that the manufacturers of these devices knew about the health risks prior to putting them on the market has increased the number of morcellator lawsuits.

How Can Power Morcellators Increase the Risk of Cancer?

Power Morcellator a surgical tool for laparoscopic surgeriesPower Morcellators are electric surgical devices with small, rapidly rotating blades used in minimally invasive hysterectomies or for the removal of fibroids on the uterus. They slice the tissue into smaller pieces, which are then removed through a small opening in the abdomen. Small pieces of cancerous tissue can easily be left behind or be spread to other parts of the body where they can very quickly multiply. Morcellators have been connected to the spread of aggressive cancers including uterine cancer, uterine sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and myelosarcoma.

It is this risk that prompted the FDA to issue its 2014 warning. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, in 2013, nearly 14 percent of minimally invasive hysterectomies were done using power morecellation. By 2015, that number had dropped to 3 percent. However there is still a risk of cancer in women who undergo morcellation. Researchers say women who opt for morcellation procedures should know about the significant risks beforehand.

Are There Other Health Risks?

patient meeting her doctor

If you choose to undergo morecellation surgery over other available options, it is important to discuss all the potential risks and adverse side effects with your healthcare provider. As part of its 2014 alert, the FDA discouraged the use of power Morcellators in hysterectomies and myomectomies. If laparoscopic procedures are recommended, be sure to ask if power morcellation will be performed during the procedure. If so, ask why that is the best treatment option for you. It is crucial that patients in such cases have all these details so they can make an informed choice about their course of treatment.

Contact a Power Morcellator Lawyer

Power Morcellators lawyerIf you or someone you know has suffered adverse health issues as a result of power morcellation, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced morcellator lawyers, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file a morcellator lawsuit for you, and they charge no fee unless you win an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll free number at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.

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Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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