Morcellators are surgical devices used in minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomies and myomectomies to cut the uterus or fibroids into small pieces for removal.
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) May 16, 2014
The women’s health advocates at DrugNews.net are alerting women who have undergone hysterectomies or fibroid myomectomies of new information on the site about morcellation. A leading group has weighed in on the surgical devices, creating a disagreement with recent warnings from other experts*.
DrugNews is a free resource providing the latest product recalls, safety alerts, research and litigation news for patients undergoing treatment with popular medical devices. Visitors can recognize potential dangers, see if others are experiencing similar side effects and decide if they need legal advice.
Morcellators are surgical devices used in minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomies and myomectomies to cut the uterus or fibroids into small pieces for removal**.
The resource center recently added warnings from experts like the FDA*** and Society of Gynecological Oncology**** that hysterectomies and myomectomies using morcellation may significantly accelerate cancer in some patients. The FDA estimated 1 in 350 women undergoing these surgeries may have undetected uterine sarcoma that could be spread***.
Last month, Johnson & Johnson, who sells around 75% of all morcellator devices, suspended their sales**.
Now, DrugNews has learned the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has expressed support for morcellation surgery, saying the benefits of minimally invasive surgery outweigh the small chance of uterine cancer*.
In March, the first morcellation lawsuit was filed by a man who alleged his 53 year-old wife died from uterine cancer after undergoing a morcellation hysterectomy*****.
Lawyers are helping those affected. Anyone diagnosed with uterine cancer after undergoing a laparoscopic hysterectomy or fibroid removal is encouraged to visit DrugNews or speak with a lawyer about their legal options. DrugNews only recommends lawyers who have already handled hysterectomy cancer lawsuits.
For more information on the research, side effects and litigation news related to morcellation and laparoscopic hysterectomies, or to speak with a lawyer, visit http://www.DrugNews.net.
*Wall Street Journal, 5/8/14; online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304655304579550343278621338?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304655304579550343278621338.html
**Reuters, 4/30/14; reuters.com/article/2014/04/30/us-johnson-johnson-device-idUSKBN0DG06G20140430
***FDA, 4/17/14; http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm393576.htm
****Society of Gynecologic Oncology, December, 2013; sgo.org/newsroom/position-statements-2/morcellation/
*****Burkhart v. Ethicon, Inc., Blue Endo and Lina Medical, Case No. 14-1557 (U.S. Dist. Ct. Eastern Dist. PA)