Power Morcellator Lawyer in Chicago
What is a Power Morcellator?
A power morcellator is a surgical device that is commonly used in minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomies (surgically removing the uterus) and fibroid removal surgeries. The morcellator allows surgeons to break up the uterus or uterine fibroids into smaller pieces so they can be removed through a small incision, rather than using a large incision to remove the uterus or fibroids whole. This became a routine method for performing hysterectomies and myomectomies (surgically removing uterine fibroids), but in 2014 the FDA strongly discouraged the use of the Power Morcellator because morcellation surgeries carry high risks of spreading undiagnosed cancer throughout the abdominal cavity.
How Does a Morcellator Spread Cancer?
When a surgeon uses a power morcellator, they break up the uterus or fibroid tissue so it can be easily extracted through the incision. While this means that recovery times may improve and scarring will be minimal, it carries hidden risks. When the tissue is broken up, if there are undiagnosed cancer cells present then the morcellator can spread these cells throughout the abdominal cavity. The clump of cancerous cells can be broken up into hundreds of smaller clumps, which may all individually grow into tumors. The spread and growth of multiple cancerous growths in the body is called metastasization. Once a cancer metastasizes, it becomes incredibly difficult to treat and full recovery becomes unlikely.
Power Morcellator Lawsuits
In the wake of the FDA power morcellator recall, many women who have contracted ovarian, uterine, or abdominal cancer after a myomectomy or hysterectomy where a morcellator was used have filed lawsuits. Research has shown that 1 in every 368 women who had fibroids removed by morcellation contracted cancer after the surgery. The media, including high profile shows like Dr. Oz, have widely broadcasted the dangers of morcellation. With an ever increasing amount of evidence coming to light, many women have stepped forward to seek justice for their injuries.