Power morcellator surgery has been a popular surgical option for women having to undergo a laparoscopic gynecological procedure for the past 20 years, leading to many success and warning stories.

Power morcellators quickly gained popularity for laparoscopic purposes, as these devices were very accurate with lesser scarring in making the tiny incisions necessary for the procedures.

These devices are composed of two tiny rotating blades, which are used in power morcellator surgery to cut up tissue into smaller amounts for easy removal.

For laparoscopic hysterectomies, however, the blades unintentionally allow for undiagnosed cancer cells to be released and progress at an aggressive rate.

Overview of Power Morcellator Cancer

The general patient population became aware of the problems with power morcellator surgery in 2014, when the FDA stated that using these devices could result in uterine sarcoma and cancer spread.

As more complaints are filed and further research is conducted, it is important to understand several facts about the growing controversy of power morcellator surgery.

Fact 1: Power morcellator surgery quickly became popular because it offered a less invasive surgical method. Even though these devices really are not necessary for a successful laparoscopic procedure, they certainly helped.

In addition the patient’s growing preference, surgeons also enjoyed the convenience of the device performing the delicate surgery. Furthermore, patients often opted for power morcellator surgery for the small incisions and quick recovery time.

Fact 2: When power morcellators were gaining popularity, the danger of uterine fibroid cancer was a concern but was largely overlooked. Even though surgeons knew that uterine fibroids could be potential uterine sarcoma, the likelihood of the fibroids being malignant was considered highly unlikely.

In fact, most physicians considered it rare, until a 2011 study from South Korea had raised concern, with the results indicating the likelihood of uterine sarcoma much higher.

Fact 3: Even though the medical community was aware of the risk for several years before becoming public knowledge, it was not until the case involving anesthesiologist Amy Reed that it was taken so seriously.

Dr. Reed had reportedly developed cancer at a much faster rate due to power morcellator surgery, causing her and her husband to sue Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Later in April 2014, the FDA began to advise doctors not to use power morcellators and that one in 350 women could have undiagnosed uterine sarcoma.

Fact 4: Even though the warnings led to more women receiving traditional surgical techniques for their gynecological procedures, the FDA did not ban using power morcellator surgery. The agency stated that the tool still benefits many women, and the option should be available if a woman prefers.

However the agency stated that the physicians should explain the risk of cancer from morcellators. Many surgeons choose not to use the device, with some exploring alternative procedures using the power morcellator. Once such of these procedures is a mini-laparotomy, in which the tiny incision is made above the pubic bone.

Fact 5: Public scrutiny of the device is currently ongoing, and may continue for some time to come. Based on a request from Congress, the U.S. Government Accountability Office is currently investigating why the device was on the market for two decades before the FDA’s warning.

Filing a Power Morcellator Cancer Lawsuit

Meanwhile, numerous women are filing legal action against the power morcellator manufacturers for failing to warn them against the dangerous nature of the devices.

If you or someone you love was injured from a power morecellator surgery, you may have a potential legal claim.