Q: What are the side effects of a morcellator?
A: Side effects associated with use of a morcellator include abnormal tissue growth. The device breaks tissue down, allowing for it to become implanted on other organs or tissues, leading to abnormal growth. This complication may cause death if not treated. Power morcellation is also linked to the spread of cancer in cases where affected tissues are removed but in the process implant in healthy, unaffected areas. The morcellator may also slip and harm healthy tissues in cases where the doctor is not careful or experienced.
Q: Why did my doctor use a morcellator if it has these side effects?
A: Despite the risks associated with morcellators, many doctors used to recommend them due to convenience. Using one of these devices allowed for less invasive surgery, resulting in a smaller scar for the patient. In addition, less invasive surgeries and procedures reduce the risk of blood loss, postoperative pain, and infection while speeding up recovery.
Q: What increases my risk of adverse effects from a morcellator?
A: If you are having any cancerous tissue removed, you should not use a morcellator. Unfortunately, there is not currently a testing procedure to determine whether uterine tissue is cancerous. This led the FDA to issue a warning for the morcellator in April 2014, and since then, many health care professionals have stopped using the device.
Q: Is there a way to reverse the effects of a morcellator?
A: No. Once the morcellator cuts up the tissue to be removed, this process cannot be undone. Similarly, any infected tissue that is dispersed throughout the abdomen or other internal areas of the body will not be able to be easily removed without further examination and surgery, and then only if it is properly identified early on.
Q: Has any legal action been taken against surgeons who use morcellators based on these findings?
A: Yes. Across the United States, there has been an increase in the number of cases filed against the surgeons who use morcellators and the manufacturers of the devices. The majority of cases involve women who went in for a routine hysterectomy and later discovered the use of a morcellator spread cancerous tissue, causing them to almost instantly develop late-stage uterine cancer.
Q: How do I know if I have a viable case in a morcellator lawsuit?
A: If someone you know or you have experienced a spread of cancer after the use of a morcellator, or experienced any other negative effects, you may have a reason to file a suit against the morcellator manufacturers or join current legal proceedings.
Q: What should I do if I want to pursue legal action?
A: If you feel that you have suffered serious medical issues due to the use of a morcellator in a surgical procedure, visit a doctor right away. Additionally, report the incident to both your doctor and the FDA.
To discover whether you are eligible for inclusion in a morcellator lawsuit, click here or call 877-846-4878 to contact McDivitt Law Firm for a confidential and free case evaluation.