Amid concerns over the potential to spread undetected cancer beyond the uterus, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has suspended the sale of its laparoscopic power morcellators until their role in fibroid treatment is better understood. Laparoscopic power morcellation uses a medical device to divide the uterine tissue into smaller pieces or fragments so it can be removed through a small incision in the abdomen. The withdrawal follows an FDA warning that discouraged the use of laparoscopic power morcellators to remove fibroids because of a risk of spreading hidden cancer (MedWarn Alert, 04/17/14). J&J is not recalling the device because power morcellation may still be the best option for some patients after risk evaluation and informed consent.
[1] Reuters, "J&J suspends sale of device used in fibroid surgery," April 30, 2014.
[1] Reuters, "J&J suspends sale of device used in fibroid surgery," April 30, 2014.
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