Power Morcellator Lawsuit Spurs FBI Investigations

October 29, 2015 – – Tracey & Fox reports on FBI investigations of pharmaceutical conglomerate Johnson & Johnson, in regard to their power morcellator devices. As new studies and lawsuits indicate that the tool may put women’s lives at risk, the FBI has stepped in to further evaluate matters. One of the latest studies concerning power morcellation was recently accepted by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology for publication. In the study, researchers look more closely at many of the risks that have come to light in recent allegations against power morcellation, and compare these risks with the overall benefits associated with laparoscopic surgery vs. open surgery in patients.

Power morcellators are generally used to perform minimally invasive women’s gynecological surgeries, rather than open, more invasive surgeries. These surgeries generally include hysterectomies and myomectomies to treat and remove uterine fibroids. Initially, power morcellator devices were very popular in the medical world, because they were able to tear tissue apart into smaller pieces for fast and simple surgical removal. Unfortunately, it has since been discovered that these surgical devices potentially pose significant health risks to women who are undergoing laparoscopic surgical procedures.

After the morcellator is inserted, it tears apart bad tissue, including tissue within the uterus, or uterine fibroids. The problem is, however, that as this tissue is ripped up, it has been found to uncover previously undetected cancer cells. The morcellator tool has been alleged to spread these cells, causing a rapid expansion of the previously contained cancer, and significantly worsening a patient’s prognosis.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a new study conducted by Italian researchers highlighted that in 1 out of each 498 myomectomy procedures women underwent, the chance of spreading leiomyosarcoma existed. They noted that, “When used for hysterectomy or myomectomy in women with uterine fibroids, laparoscopic power morcellation poses a risk of spreading unsuspected cancerous tissue, notably uterine sarcomas, beyond the uterus.”

One suggested option to provide safer morcellation is morcellation in a bag. Research done on this procedure has noted that “Myoma morcellation in a bag could theoretically limit intraperitoneal dissemination of malignant cells, but the efficacy of such containment devices has yet to be proven.” In this instance, surgeons would use the power morcellator in an enclosed environment, trapping and removing any cancerous cells that may be torn up. The idea sounds more promising, but is certainly surrounded by concern and potential limitations.

Across the U.S., more than 30 women have filed lawsuits which similarly allege that having a power morcellation procedure subsequently spread their cancer cells. Already, one manufacturer of the product, Ethicon, has fully pulled it from their inventory, and has asked for those morcellators in use at hospitals to be returned. The FBI investigations are said to be focused on uncovering exactly what Johnson & Johnson knew about the risks of the morcellator, and how long they have known this information. Currently, anyone who has undergone power morcellation and now has aggressive or widespread cancer may be entitled to legal compensation.

The attorneys at Tracey & Fox are working to help ensure that anyone who has suffered health problems after a power morcellator procedure is able to look into their legal rights. They offer free and confidential consultations.

To obtain additional information on this topic or ask questions, contact the attorneys at Tracey & Fox by calling 713-322-5375 today.

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Contact Tracey & Fox:

Sean Tracey
713-495-2333
440 Louisiana Street , Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77002

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