Power Morcellators

What is a Power Morcellator?

A power morcellator is a surgical tool used primarily during laparoscopic surgeries such as hysterectomy or myomectomy for removing fibroids. It works by slicing up tissue into smaller pieces, which are then removed through small incision sites. This technique is favored for its benefits of reduced recovery times and minimal surgical scarring.

The risks associated with power morcellators

Despite the advantages, power morcellators have come under scrutiny due to serious risks they pose, most notably the potential to spread undetected cancerous cells within the abdomen and pelvis. This is particularly dangerous in the case of undiagnosed uterine sarcomas, a type of cancer that can be present in the uterus without prior detection. When a morcellator is used, it can disseminate these cancerous cells beyond the uterus, significantly worsening the patient’s prognosis and overall outcome.

Risks Associated with Power Morcellators

Risk of use in uterine fibroid treatment

Uterine fibroids are tissue growths inside the uterine wall that often manifest during childbearing years. About three out of four women will have uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, though most have no symptoms. The size and severity depend on the individual, however some women suffer severe complications that require surgical removal.

Although there is no single best treatment, doctors often recommend a minimally invasive procedure using a Power Morcellator to remove the fibroids. The device shaves harmful uterine tissue into small pieces in order to remove them through a small incision. When patients have undetected cancer tissues in the fibroids, this procedure disperses cancerous cells into the abdomen, potentially causing the cancer to spread.

It is important to stress that these cancer cells remain undetected in women, as there is not a reliable test to identify cancerous tissue in uterine fibroids. The only way to locate dangerous uterine tissue is to undergo an invasive gynecological procedure.

Risk of cancer

Patients affected by the spread of cancer due to morcellation have pursued legal action due to:

• Failure to Warn: Allegations that manufacturers did not adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risk of spreading cancer through the use of their device.
• Medical Malpractice: In some cases, healthcare providers may be sued for not properly informing patients of the risks or for choosing to use the device when alternative, safer methods were available.
• Product Liability: Claims that the design of the device is inherently dangerous and defective.

If these risks have affected you, choosing Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys as your law firm can provide you with the following benefits:

Legal Representation by Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys

At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand the physical and emotional toll caused by complications from medical devices. Our team is dedicated to providing expert legal representation for victims of power morcellator procedures. Here’s how we can help:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We thoroughly assess each case to understand the unique circumstances and build a strong argument.
• Experienced Legal Guidance: Leveraging our extensive knowledge of medical device litigation, we navigate the complexities of the legal system to advocate for your rights.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We are committed to achieving justice for our clients, whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation.