Tracey and Fox reports on two Boston Hospitals which have implemented new regulations regarding the power morcellator surgical tool. After the United States Food and Drug Administration issued new safety warnings regarding power morcellators, the hospitals decided to create new procedures surrounding use of the device. These hospitals, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General, recently announced their decision to the public.
Procedural changes include a complete ban of the power morcellation tool in cases where patients are being treated for a uterine mass. Currently, the morcellator is still allowed to be used in the case of uterine fibroids, however, in these instances, the hospitals are requiring that physicians use a tissue bag to collect any torn tissue pieces, rather than leaving them in the patient.
The tissue bag concept has been discussed by many aware of the allegations currently surrounding morcellator use. Previously, the power morcellator would tear apart tissue within the abdomen and spread it, allegedly uncovering potentially cancerous cells and helping them to spread and become more aggressive. It is hoped that use of the tissue bag will help to capture any potentially cancerous cells and prevent them from spreading and remaining in the abdomen. This process and its benefits/risks is still being studied.
Another change in procedure for the hospitals is a requirement that surgeons fully and completely discuss the risks associated with power morcellation with any patients before they choose to undergo the procedure.
For many prior patients who have filed lawsuits against power morcellator manufacturers, this change comes a bit late. Despite that, many who have spoken out to warn women against the procedure are happy to see small changes occurring. Ethicon, previously a large power morcellator manufacturer who now faces many lawsuits, has chosen to discontinue production of the tool, and to recall it from all hospitals they previously sold it to.
Dr. Noorchashm is a physician who regularly speaks out against the power morcellator after his wife, also a physician, underwent a procedure with the tool and subsequently discovered aggressive, widespread cancer. He notes that he is happy to see hospitals become more mindful of the dangers of the process for women undergoing myomectomies and hysterectomies, but he remains insistent that it would be best to stop using the device completely. Physicians have other surgical options, but have used the morcellator because it is less invasive and requires a shorter recovery time.
The morcellator litigation team at Tracey & Fox Law are currently working to ensure that anyone who has undergone a morcellation procedure and has been subsequently diagnosed with cancer is able to explore their legal options. These individuals and their families may be entitled to compensation. Tracey & Fox offers free and confidential consultations for those involved.
For additional information on the topics discussed in this release, or to ask questions, please contact Tracey & Fox Law at 713-322-5375.
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Contact Tracey & Fox:
Sean Tracey
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