As an electrical surgical device most notably used in laparoscopic procedures including hysterectomies, myomectomies and liver and spleen surgeries, a morcellator tool allows doctors to work within small incisions. The idea behind the morcellator is that patients experience less pain following surgery, with shorter recovery time. However, the FDA has warned the medical community regarding morcellators and the spreading of cancerous tissue.

Specifically, in “open morcellation procedures,” the end of the morcellator is inserted into a small incision in the abdomen where it shreds and removes tissues (usually during uterine fibroid removal or hysterectomies). The procedure is considered “open” because shredding occurs in an open environment, where cells can spread or spray into the abdominal or pelvic regions. In the event that the shredded fibroid tissue contains undetected cancer cells, these cells may migrate to other parts of the body. As a result, these areas are infected with cancer. When it is later detected, it is more difficult to treat.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS), abdominal cancer or uterine cancer following a laparoscopic fibroid surgery, hysterectomy or myomectomy using a morcellator device, you need to know your legal options. The defective device lawyers at the Harman Law Firm are ready to take on manufacturers and large corporations who refuse to operate safely or issue proper warnings.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your morcellator injury or cancer diagnosis, contact the Harman Law Firm today.

Dangers Associated With Morcellator Hysterectomies

In 2014, the FDA issued strong warnings concerning the use of power morcellators for hysterectomies. While most uterine fibroids are benign, there is no way to know if undetected cancer cells are within the tissues until after the fact, when pathology reports are complete. Thus, it is too great of a risk to shred these tissues with a morcellator, giving unsuspected cancer cells the opportunity to liquefy and travel to other cavities of the body. In turn, the FDA added that 1 in 350 women who undergo hysterectomy or myomectomy to remove fibroids have a uterine sarcoma that is not yet discovered.

The medical community is encouraged to discuss cancer risks with patients prior to surgery, as well as provide other options. Yet, for many women, the damage has been done. Thus, if you find that you’ve been diagnosed with uterine cancer following a surgical procedure with a power morcellator, the attorneys at the Harman Law Firm are here to help.

We believe that patients deserve justice if a defective device has harmed them. You may be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact the Harman Law Firm today for a free initial consultation.