Johnson & Johnson has recalled its laparoscopic power morcellators. These devices are used in hysterectomy procedures and other uterine surgical procedures. The Food and Drug Administration has discovered that the morcellators can spread malignant cancer cells. The device has been used by women to avoid invasive surgeries for removing fibroids from the uterus.
Women who have had the procedures done have filed lawsuits after being diagnosed with metastatic leiomyosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma that spread following a hysterectomy or myomectomy. The women are alleging that they may have avoided the cancer spreading throughout their bodies if the information concerning the unacceptable risk had been provided to their physicians.
Johnson & Johnson pulls power morcellator; surgical device had sparked controversy