Power Morcellation Surgery & Cancer Lawsuits

Untitled 4

David Randolph Smith & Associates is currently investigating legal claims involving women who have received a diagnosis for cancer after undergoing a hysterectomy or fibroid removal surgery.

Power morcellators, first approved in the mid-1990s, are widely used in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) hysterectomies and uterine fibroid removal procedures. These small bladed devices allow surgeons to cut the uterus or fibroid tissues into small parts, for easy removal through a laparoscopic tube inserted through a small incision in the patient’s abdomen.
For women who may have previously undiagnosed cancer or sarcoma, there is a serious risk of the device spreading cancerous cells inside the body. Recent medical studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in March 2014, and the much publicized story of 40 year old Boston doctor Amy Reed, (see video below) who herself has developed cancer after undergoing a hysterectomy using a power morcellation procedure, has prompted the medical community, federal regulators and lawyers to question whether or not these devices pose a serious health risk to women.

Power Morcellator devices include:
Gynecare Morcellex Tissue Morcellator
Morcellex Sigma Tissue Morcellator System
Gynecare X-Tract Tissue Morcellator
Power morcellators may also be used in spleen (splenectomy) or in laparoscopic renal (nephrectomy) surgery.

On April 17, 2014 the FDA issued a safety communication, warning doctors and women that laparoscopic robotic hysterectomies, and fibroid removal surgeries conducted with the use of a power morcellation device, could cause the spread of aggressive uterine cancers. The FDA stated, “Based on an analysis of currently available data, the FDA has determined that approximately one in 350 women who are undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy for fibroids have an unsuspected type of uterine cancer called uterine sarcoma (leiomyosarcoma). If laparoscopic power morcellation is performed in these women, there is a risk that the procedure will spread the cancerous tissue within the abdomen and pelvis, significantly worsening the patient’s likelihood of long-term survival.” Today there are more than a dozen power morcellator devices on the market, but shortly after the FDA issued its warning in April, Ethicon360, a division of Johnson & Johnson and the largest manufacturer of power morcellators, took the decision to suspend sales of its device.

If you need legal advice from a Tennessee medical malpractice attorney or Nashville product liability lawyer with the experience to handle cancer or death cases, click here to contact us for a confidential case review.

Over $500 Million
Recovered Since 1993

We've Helped Thousands of People Just Like You

We are known for getting life-changing results and fighting to make our communities safer.

Why Choose Us As Your  Attorney?

With us on your side, you can focus on what’s most important – your recovery.

Decades Of Experience

Decades Of Experience

Our Nashville personal injury attorneys have over 75 years of combined practice handling cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, civil rights, medical device lawsuits, wrongful death, and more.

Excellent Reputation

Excellent Reputation

DRS Law is a well-respected personal injury law firm based in Nashville. Our lawyers have  been selected as a Mid-South Super Lawyer, named one of the Top    100 attorneys in Tennessee in all fields of practice, and is included in the Best Lawyers in America guidebook.

Small Case Volume

Small Case Volume

Unlike many Nashville firms that handle a large volume of cases, we concentrate on a select few cases. With this, our attorneys ensure that every step is taken to obtain the most favorable outcomes for our clients.

We Prepare For Trial

We Prepare For Trial

Every case is meticulously prepared for trial by our trial team and support staff in order to maximize the recovery for our client, whether by settlement or trial verdict. Our proven track record of success has resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and judgments.