The FDA previously advised doctors to stop all use of power morcellators while the devices’ propensity to spread cancer was reviewed. Now J&J is pursuing a global, voluntary return of its power morcellator devices. An article in Reuters reports that this move comes as a result of concerns that the surgical device potentially spreads cancerous uterine growths in women.
Uterine growths, called fibroids, are divided into small pieces within the abdominal cavity by the power morcellator in order to aid in non-invasive removal of tissue masses. The device is also used in hysterectomies. The danger of these devices occurs when a growth is cancerous, in which case the cancerous cells can be spread within the abdomen, and making treatment and prognosis much more difficult.
The FDA is reevaluating the efficacy and safety of power morcellators, like the J&J Ethicon device, in treating fibroid disease. J&J had stopped all sales and distribution of its device in April 2014. The company is now taking it a step further to have customers return all Ethicon devices that have already been purchased in a worldwide market recall.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with uterine cancer after use of a power morcellator during a hysterectomy or fibroid removal, you should contact a qualified attorney. Lopez McHugh’s product liability attorneys have extensive experience in medical device litigation. Contact a Lopez McHugh attorney today at (877) 737-8525 or fill out our contact form for an initial case evaluation free of charge.
