Boston Hospitals Taking Precautions, Restricting Morcellator Use

As controversy swirls around the use of power morcellators, gynecological tools used during hysterectomies, two Boston-area hospitals have implemented new surgical regulations on how and when the devices may be used. Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General have both placed limits on morcellator usage, requiring doctors to use a tissue bag when removing uterine fibroids, and disallowing the tool’s use completely when treating a uterine mass. The tissue bag surrounds the fibroids being cut and then inflates with carbon dioxide, corralling any cells that may have been disseminated through the abdomen cavity in the bag.

These restrictions come in the wake of the FDA’s 2014 safety warning regarding the devices, which have been linked to spreading hidden uterine cancers not previously detected. Advocates and members of the medical community have been outspoken about banning the tool completely, and several lawsuits have been filed against makers of the devices. Plaintiffs’ firm G&E is currently representing several individuals affected by these dangerous tools. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with cancer after having a hysterectomy or myomectomy for the treatment of fibroids, please contact us by calling 884-351-2395 to discuss your legal options.