The use of morcellators in laparoscopic hysterectomies have been linked to cancer risks, and a new investigative report from the Wall Street Journal suggests that the support of power morcellators by several surgeons may have been improperly influenced by the manufacturers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a safety communication in April 2014 focusing on the potential for morcellators to spread certain types of uterine cancers. The warning suggests the devices should be avoided since there is no way for physicians or surgeons to determine which patients may have latent uterine cancer.
If you developed cancer after a procedure involving a morcellator, contact Attorney Group for more information. There is no out-of-pocket cost to speak with us, and if you have case, we can connect you with an affiliated morcellator cancer attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Morcellator Cancer Risks May 
Have Been Downplayed
Morcellators are devices that allow a surgeon to cut up uterine fibroids or the uterus and remove the tissue through a small incision in the abdomen. However, for women with undiagnosed uterine sarcomas, these devices may cause cancerous tissue to spread throughout the body, risking potential upstaging of an already aggressive cancer.
After the FDA released its warning, a policy guideline was issued that supported the use of power morcellators by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL). However, the Wall Street Journal report questions the industry’s influence on the policy statement. In reportedly allowing an executive officer who had allegedly been paid by a manufacturer of morcellators to the write the statement, the article suggests that the AAGL violated its own conflict of interest rules.
In 2014, the officer acknowledged that he had received at least $50,000 from the manufacturer for consulting services the previous year. He had reportedly been one of the AAGL’s members who lobbied for an exemption to a policy that forbid members from doing paid work for medical device or drug manufacturers and was apparently able to earn a “grandfather clause” that allowed him to bypass the rule.
According to the FDA, there is no safe way to use power morcellators without placing women at risk of upstaging and spreading undiagnosed uterine cancers, including leiomyosarcoma and sarcoma.
Are You Concerned About the Possible Morcellator Cancer Risks?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with endometrial stromal sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma or other uterine cancers after a laparoscopic power morcellator procedure, contact Attorney Group for more information about your options. We can offer you a comprehensive case evaluation at no out-of-pocket cost to you, and we can connect you with an affiliated morcellator cancer attorney who can help you to seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
