Power morcellators were once a way to reduce the recovery time for surgeries involving the abdomen, particularly surgeries to remove large masses. Power morcellators worked by mincing tissue with a spinning claw-like attachment, which allowed the tissue to be removed through small incisions. These devices were often used in hysterectomies, tearing through uterine and ovarian tissue effectively. However, the FDA received multiple reports of women who had malignant tumors spread throughout their abdomens after receiving hysterectomies with a morcellator. Johnson & Johnson, a major manufacturer of power morcellator devices, took their product off the market and advised physicians to not use their devices. Unfortunately, for many women, the damage was already done.
If you or a loved one has suffered a morcellator procedure, contact BCH by calling (713) 909-7910.
The Symptoms of Morcellator-Caused Cancer
Unfortunately, morcellators cause cancer because they tear up undiscovered tumors. The spinning blades inadvertently spread cancerous tissue to surrounding organs, where they are likely to adhere and grow. As a result, even a small Stage I malignant tumor can immediately become a Stage IV tumor due to the device.
While some cancers have no symptoms until late stages, see a doctor if you notice the following after a morcellator operation:
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Swelling in the abdominal area
- Masses in or around the abdomen
How Our Law Firm Can Help
At the firm of Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC (BCH), we specialize in helping those injured by medical devices seek compensation. If you are suffering from leiomyosarcoma (uterine cancer) after receiving a procedure with a power morcellator, you may be entitled to financial recovery for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you lost a loved one to cancer because of this device, our attorneys can file a wrongful death claim on your behalf.
Our firm understands the immense pressure and injustice you may be feeling. When people go to their doctors for help, they have the right to expect that treatment will not make them worse—certainly not through poor, reckless manufacturing or design. We have decades of experience holding medical device companies accountable for their actions, or lack thereof. Let us see what we can do for you. Get in touch with us today to schedule your free case review.
BCH offers free consultations—schedule one online or call (713) 909-7910.
