Power Morcellator Lawsuits | Linked to Uterine Cancer

Laparoscopic power morcellators are tools used in fibroid removal procedures that cut up uterine growth so that the growth can be more easily removed using noninvasive procedures.

They could be used as part of either a myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of uterus).

The power morcellator essentially cuts uterine growth (fibroids) into very small pieces that can be removed by vacuum through a small incision.

Numerous women have filed morcellator lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers of these morcellation devices, alleging they were not informed of the risks before undergoing their laparoscopic procedures.

In order to streamline early trial proceedings and make the process more convenient and efficient for all parties involved, federal court cases involving Ethicon power morcellators were coordinated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Kansas.

The MDL is used to determine pretrial rulings in cases that involve many plaintiffs but a common question of fact.

Cases currently pending in the MDL will be transferred back to their originating court for trial if settlement does not occur prior to trial.

Women who believe that their cancer diagnosis was made worse as a result of their choice to undergo a less invasive fibroid surgery or hysterectomy are currently filing lawsuits.

In April 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication to warn physicians and patients that power morcellators could spread undetected cancer cells.

Because there is no definitive way to know for sure if cancer cells are present prior to a procedure, the FDA recommended at the time that patients be counseled on the risks associated with power morcellators.

The agency also advised that morcellators should not be used in the majority of hysterectomies and myomectomies, since vaginal procedures are typically associated with better results and fewer complications.

As a result of a public outcry and the FDA warning, the largest manufacturer of the Power Morcellator tool, Johnson & Johnson, pulled the device off the market but there are still women today learning of the connection between a laparoscopic procedure and their uterine cancer diagnosis.

Many women choose to undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy or myomectomy because it is associated with benefits such as a shorter post-operative recovery time and reduced risk of infection compared to abdominal hysterectomy and myomectomy.

The minimally invasive nature of surgery involving a power morcellator made it an appealing choice for many women undergoing hysterectomies or myomectomies until Johnson & Johnson pulled the device from the market.

According to investigations, Approximately 1 in 350 women undergoing these types of surgeries have an undetected form of uterine cancer.

In these women, there is a risk that the morcellator will spread the cancerous tissue, decreasing the likelihood of long-term survival.

After public outcry and pressure from medical professionals, the FDA issued a strong warning regarding the use of power morcellators, in which it discouraged their use and directed surgeons to discuss the risks of using power morcellators with their patients.