Understanding Power Morcellators
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento defective medical device lawyer. Power morcellators have been the topic of many discussions, both scientific and medical, for years. However, many people are unclear on what morcellators are, what they are used for, how they work, and the ways in which they could be dangerous.
Gynecologists Wanted In On Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
More than 2 decades ago, gynecologists were experiencing a problem. They acknowledged that physicians in other fields were introducing minimally invasive surgical techniques—called laparoscopic procedures. Laparoscopic procedures were performed by making a tiny incision that they could remove organs like kidneys or gallbladders through. But when it came to a laparoscopic hysterectomy, to treat a uterus that gynecologists found filled with fibroids, the removal can be far too complicated. Fibroids affect many women. They are typically benign growths. Finally, devices were developed called laparoscopic power morcellators.
More than two decades after the new surgical tools were cleared for use in our country, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) had evidence citing that these morcellators could be spreading cancer. The FDA issued a strong caution against using the device.
Frequently Asked Questions – Understanding Power Morcellators
- Question: What is the common use for a power morcellator?
Answer: Power morcellators are compact enough to be held in the hand. The surgical tool has a long, hollow cylinder and very sharp edges. These sharp jaw-like edges are used to cut away and remove uterine fibroids. The cylinder portion of the tool suctions out the tissue. - Question: Can you explain exactly what Uterine Fibroids are?
Answer: Yes. Uterine fibroids are generally noncancerous growths appearing on the muscle tissue of an affected uterus. Sometimes the growths host undiscovered cancerous cells. - Question: How many types of fibroid removal options are available?
Answer: Typically two. Someone having a myomectomy has her fibroids removed one at a time. Someone receiving a hysterectomy is typically having all of or a portion of her uterus removed. - Question: What kind of potential danger is associated with these Morcellators presently?
Answer: If the person receiving surgery for fibroid removal via morcellator has undiscovered cancer, the morcellator will spread these cancer cells around in the abdomen. Sadly, this promotes the growth of additional cancerous cells.
Surgeries Prior to Laparoscopic Power Morcellators
Before the invention of morcellators to remove fibroids doctors would’ve had made an incision. The incision typically ranged from three to seven inches. These types of “invasive” procedures required a longer recovery time. In these surgeries, the uterus or fibroids were removed intact and the spread of cancerous cells was significantly reduced because the fibroids were not opened. Women opted for less invasive surgeries with much less recovery time. The laparascopic procedure with the morcellator has caused the spread of cancer cells in some women. Contact an experienced attorney if you have questions.
What Now?
Despite morcellators having been in recall for going on three years, many doctors are still performing surgery with them. If you’ve suffered new or an aggravated form of cancer in the uterus after having a hysterectomy or myomectomy with a morcellator, you may be able to recover compensation for your traumatic injuries.
We hope you found the article Understanding Power Morcellators helpful.
Related Articles by Ed Smith:
- What is a Defective Medical Device?
- Laparoscopic Power Morcellators
- What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
- About Personal Injury Lawyer Edward A Smith
- Personal Injury Questionnaire
Sacramento Products Liability Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento defective medical device lawyer. If you’ve been seriously injured or someone you love has passed away after a medical procedure, please call me at (916) 921-6400 for free and friendly advice. Or, you may contact me toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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