Power Morcellator Cancer Risk Prompts Warnings From FDA and Insurers

Medical technology can make procedures faster and less invasive than ever, but that doesn’t always mean new approaches are safer. Take, for example, safety warnings following the widespread adoption of the power morcellator.
The power morcellator is a device used perform hysterectomies and other surgical procedures. While the device can allow for a less invasive surgery with less blood loss and quicker recoveries, it’s use can release dormant cancerous cells into the bodies of patients. These cells can then migrate to other areas of the body where they can then metastasize.
This power morcellator cancer risk prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to issue a message to doctors in Nov. 2014 advising against the use of power morcellators. Now, some insurers are also calling for doctors to halt use of the device.
According to Healthcare Dive, several insurers have called for restricted use of the power morcellator during certain laparoscopic procedures. The move has prompted other companies to consider enacting similar restrictions.
Despite calls for halting the use of the power morcellator, the device continues to be used by some surgeons. If you’ve developed cancer after a morcellator procedure, the St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers are here to help. We want to answer the questions you have about the claims process. Feel free to give us a call at (314) 499-1190 to learn more about how we can assist you.