Morcellators Recalled by Manufacturer Johnson and Johnson (J&J)
A morcellator is a laparoscopic power device used in fibroid and hysterectomy surgeries. Laparoscopic surgeries are an innovative way to remove tissue or cells out of the body without having to perform the procedure by entering abdominally or vaginally. During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, a mechanical morcellator is used to grind uterine tissue so the remains can be removed without a large incision. When this is performed, it enables the female to have the procedure done as an alternative to an invasive surgery, and the remains are exported through small incisions in the stomach area. During the grinding procedure, the tissue is cut into small pieces, which are almost guaranteed to spread throughout the body.
FDA Morcellator Recall
In April of 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning advising doctors and nurse practitioners to stop use of the device. J&J followed FDA’s lead by suspending sales and asking all consumers to return the morcellators previously purchased. FDA included in the advisory memo that morcellation for hysterectomies increases if not automatically ensures the spreading of malignant cancers to other parts of the body.
The spinning blades of the morcellators are spreading malignant cancers present in the broken and shredded tissue to the abdomen and pelvis. If there is already cancer existing, there is no doubt that it will likely spread. The only way to prevent the spreading is if women are checked for cancer and cleared prior to surgery. Due to the press and negative light shed on J&J morcellators, the manufacturers have completely recalled the product and are currently facing lawsuits from women who have developed cancer in their abdomen or pelvis. The morcellator used in the procedure should have been used under a more strict regulation or supported an attachment bag to enclose the damaged tissue upon cutting before removal.
Hysterectomy Device Morcellator Recall Lawsuit
If you or a loved one underwent a surgery in which a J&J morcellator was used as an alternative device to an invasive surgery, and developed cancer in another area of the body, you may have the right to a claim against the manufacturers. Call The Willis Law Firm TODAY for your free consultation. Our experts are waiting to talk to you about your legal options and secure you justice for your pain and suffering due to a recalled medical device. Call today toll-free at 1-800-883-9858.