Alternatives to Power Morcellation in the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids
There are a number of treatment options available for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids, including traditional, open surgical hysterectomy (performed either vaginally or abdominally) and myomectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy and myomectomy performed without morcellation (cutting is performed by surgeon, not electronically powered spinning blades), as well as other non-surgical options.
There are clear benefits to morcellation. It is minimally invasive and its use shortens the patient’s recovery time. One development may be promising. Some surgeons, including Kimberely Kho, M.D., co-author of Evaluating the Risks of Electric Uterine Morcelation, advocate the intra-operative use of a bag to enclose the tissue that is to be morcellated. This would prevent cancer cells from being sprayed outside of the bag. Still, very few gynecologists know how to use this procedure, and it reportedly takes months to learn. Dr. Kho is at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas.
We are reviewing cases for women throughout the United States who have been diagnosed with cancer that may have been caused by power morcellation during a hysterectomy or myomectomy for the treatment of uterine fibroids.
Michael Phelan is a Virginia trial attorney who practices with a special focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, pharmaceutical and medical device claims, product liability cases, and truck accidents. Michael’s peers have consistently recognized him for his excellence as a trial lawyer, and his clients have praised him for his commitment to deep research, his outstanding communication skills, and his sincerity and dedication.