When the laparoscopic power morcellator was released onto the market, many believed the device would revolutionize the way certain surgeries were performed. That’s because the tool had the ability to grind tissue inside the body so it could be more easily removed in a less invasive manner. What experts didn’t realize though, is that use of the power morcellator may have been putting patients at serious risk of cancer.
Our Nashville uterine surgery cancer lawyers at Ponce Law say it’s estimated that 1 in 350 women may have dormant cancer cells in their bodies and when the power morcellator is used to grind tissues, those cells can be released. The cancerous masses can then spread and grow in other parts of the body.
While several studies have cited the increased risk of developing cancer as the result of undergoing a procedure utilizing the power morcellator, little has been done to prevent it from being used.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated the safety of the device, but found no need to pull it from the market. Instead, the agency issued a warning about the dangers the device may pose.
According to an article from The Wall Street Journal, this lack of action has prompted several members of Congress to call on the Government Accountability Office to conduct their own investigation into the FDA’s recommendations.
At Ponce Law, we understand the risks a faulty medical device can pose to patient safety. That’s why our defective product lawyers are hopeful the investigation being conducted into the safety of power morcellators can raise awareness about the dangers of these devices.