Power Morcellator Uterine Cancer Lawsuits Cause Aetna Insurance Denial

January 08, 2016 – – Banville Law reports on Aetna Insurance Company’s decision to remove insurance coverage for laparoscopic power morcellator devices when used during hysterectomies and myomectomies on uterine fibroids. This decision follows a surge in lawsuits which have been filed against multiple manufacturers of the device, and a multidistrict litigation comprised of many lawsuits filed against manufacturer Ethicon. All suits filed similarly allege that the tool can expose and disseminate previously undetected cancer cells when used during gynecological surgeries.

When announcing this decision, Aetna explained that they were stopping coverage specifically of morcellators used during gynecological surgeries, as a recent warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had discussed. They informed medical facilities that they would continue to allow discussions over other types of power morcellator use. To gain approval for an alternative use for the device, physicians will be required to provide special clearances, which Aetna will evaluate on an individual case-by-case basis.

In 2014, the FDA issued a warning statement discussing laparoscopic power morcellation to remove uterine fibroids, indicating that women should refrain from undergoing the gynecological procedure due to a significant risk of exposing and spreading cancer cells that the physician and patient may have been unaware of. They estimated that about 1 in every 350 women who currently undergo these procedures have uterine sarcomas that they do not know of. The morcellation of these cells could cause a high-grade, accelerated cancer that is extremely difficult to treat and frequently fatal to the patient.

Power morcellator lawsuits have steadily increased in number recently, and Ethicon morcellator complaints have been consolidated by the JPML to form multidistrict litigation number 2652. They are being overseen in the U.S. District of Kansas by Judge Kathryn H. Vratil, and are expected to continue to increase in number as they await trial.

The attorneys at Banville Law realize what devastation an aggressive cancer diagnosis can cause to plaintiffs and their families. They are currently working to ensure that all women who have undergone laparoscopic power morcellation, and who were later diagnosed with cancer, will have the opportunity of exploring their legal rights. These women may be entitled to legal action and compensation. Banville Law is offering free consultations to affected individuals at this time.

To ask questions or request additional information, please contact Banville Law by calling 888-997-3792.

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Contact Banville Law:

Laurence Banville, Esq.
888-997-3792
info@banvillelaw.com
165 West End Avenue, #1H
New York, NY 10023
United States (US)

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