Medical Device used in Hysterectomies and Fibroid Removal Shown to Cause Increased Cancer Risk

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) confirms risks and fears previously published by the FDA that the use of laparoscopic power morcellator (LPM) medical devices during hysterectomies and fibroid removal can cause the spread of benign and malignant tissue throughout the body and result in the growth and spread of cancers. (Click here to read the FDA Executive Summary on Laparoscopic PowerMorcellation during Uterine Surgery for Fibroids)

LPM devices are used to break up the tissue of the uterus during hysterectomies and fibroid removal. The problem, as cited by the FDA and confirmed in the JAMA study, is that even though patients are screened for cancer prior to the procedure, cancers such as sarcoma and endometrial cancer have a probability of being missed during the pre-procedure screening. Thus, when cancer goes undetected and a LPM device is used it is essentially cutting into cancer cells and spreading those cancer cells throughout intraperitoneal cavity (an area inside the abdomen shared by digestive organs, reproductive organs and supplied with a rich blood supply). This greatly increases the risk to patients of spreading cancer throughout the body.  In the April 11, 2014 edition of the Wall Street Journal a compelling article was published which addressed the recent discovery about the danger of LPMs which have been in use since 1990. (Click here to read the full article)

If you’ve had a hysterectomy or fibroid removal and a LMP device was used during the procedure and you subsequently developed cancer or other injuries from the procedure, you may have a claim. Please contact the mass tort attorneys at NRS Injury Law by filling out our contact form or call us toll free at (855)GOT-HURT (or 855-468-4878) to speak with our experienced staff to discuss your circumstances.