According to a recent report, a procedure used to remove fibroids may actually cause the cancer to spread. Morcellation, a minimally invasive procedure is a popular method for removing uterine fibroids. Some experts now believe that the procedure may actually increase the risk of spreading the cancer.
In the procedure, a power tool called a morcellator is used to grind up fibroids in order to remove them. During this process, pieces of fibroid can be extracted through smaller incisions. Due to this procedure, recovery time has shortened and fewer scars are made, making it a popular option among women with uterine fibroids.
According to a report submitted by the New England Journal of Medicine, the procedure has been called to temporarily halt. Research suggests that the grinding up of fibroids can actually cause cancerous material to spread throughout the abdomen.
Dr. Hooman Noorchashm, a cardiothoracic surgeon, started an online petition at Boston’s Brigham Women’s Hospital. The doctor has also written many letters to medical journals and news outlets claiming that the procedure is endangering the lives of women and may lead to a public health crisis. He has demanded that Brigham stop using the procedure ans is calling on hospitals nationwide to follow his lead.
Dr. Noorchashm has personal experience with procedure, as his wife, also a doctor, underwent a hysterectomy in October at Brigham. During her routine procedure to remove fibroids, her surgeon used a morcellator to cut the fibroids into smaller pieces in order to remove them through smaller incisions. During her follow up visit, Dr. Reed discovered that the tissue that was removed and biopsied had contained leiomyosarcoma, a rare, aggressive type of cancer. During her routine surgery, the cancerous tissue spread and she is now battling stage 4 cancer.
Of women over the age of 35, approximately 20 to 40% are at risk of developing uterine fibroids. These fibroids are the most common reason for women to undergo a hysterectomy. While in many cases, the fibroids are benign, a large number of experts now believe that uterine sarcomas are more common that they previously were believed to be. These experts also suspect that women are not being properly informed of the risks of morcellation.
Morcellation, the procedure to remove fibroids is still widely used across the nation. Dr. Noorchashm’s report is currently under peer review, pending further studies.
If you or someone you know has been injured by Morcellation, the fibroid remove procedure, call Longo Legal, PLLC to find out if you have a potential claim. The first step is to get some preliminary information over the phone. The initial phone call and consultation cost you nothing. You will not pay Longo Legal, PLLC anything towards your Morcellation lawsuit unless a recovery is made on your behalf. Call Longo Legal at (855) 566-4648 to see if you qualify.
