We have written fairly extensively recently about the dangers that may lurk in certain pharmacological situations where manufacturers either produce a defective substance, or fail to adequately warn doctors and consumers about potential risks of taking such drugs. Unfortunately, medications are not the only risk that must be assessed by Texas residents when dealing with health care decisions. There are various devices utilized by medical professionals that sometimes do harm — either due to defect or unintended consequences of their use.
One such device identified by the federal Food and Drug Administration in the last couple years is the Laparoscopic Power Morcellator. This device is often used in cases where a woman needs to have a hysterectomy, or the removal of fibroid cysts in the uterine area. While the device apparently makes such procedures easier and less invasive, there have been some risks associated with its use that has caused the FDA to issue warnings and advise that its use is contraindicated in many situations.
It seems that due to the nature of the device, it may increase the chance that previously unsuspected Sarcoma cells may be spread inside the abdominal cavity. Sarcoma is a type of cancer cell, and having these cells spread to other areas of the body can decrease the long-term survival rate of women who have undergone this procedure. Indeed, there have been several patients who have initiated lawsuits after having been diagnosed with cancer after having had a Laparoscopic Power Morcellator used in their operations.
As always, patients should consult with their physicians to determine whether the risk of any procedure is outweighed by the benefits of having it done, and should take their advice into consideration. However, those who have had defective medical devices used that may have created serious injury that they were not adequately informed of may wish to consider consulting with an experienced Texas products or medical liability lawyer.
