Hysterectomy Morcellation Cancer Lawsuits

Background information on Power Morcellation lawsuits, settlements and litigation updates published between 2014 to 2020.

Power Morcellation Cancer Lawsuit Overview

The power morcellator litigation involved claims that laparoscopic surgical devices used during hysterectomies and fibroid removal procedures spread hidden uterine cancers throughout patients’ bodies.

Manufactured by companies such as Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon unit, these devices were designed to cut uterine tissue into small fragments for easier removal through small incisions. However, many women later developed advanced-stage leiomyosarcoma and other aggressive cancers after undiagnosed tumors were dispersed in the abdomen by the morcellation process.

As injuries mounted, lawsuits were filed alleging that manufacturers knew or should have known that morcellation carried a serious risk of spreading undetected cancer but failed to adequately warn surgeons or patients. The litigation intensified after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a 2014 safety communication discouraging the use of power morcellators in most gynecologic surgeries. Numerous hospitals subsequently halted the practice, and Johnson & Johnson withdrew its devices from the market that same year.

Hundreds of individual lawsuits were filed nationwide, many consolidated in federal court for coordinated proceedings. While Johnson & Johnson faced the majority of claims, other manufacturers were also targeted for failing to implement adequate safeguards or containment systems. The cases were largely resolved through confidential settlements, marking a turning point in surgical safety oversight and sparking permanent changes in how tissue removal procedures are performed to reduce the risk of cancer dissemination.

Power Morcellator Litigation Updates

October 4, 2016: Motion Filed in Ethicon Morcellator Litigation Over Discovery Disputes

Attorneys for plaintiffs filed motions challenging Ethicon’s handling of discovery materials in the federal power morcellator multidistrict litigation. The filings accused the company of withholding internal documents related to cancer risk warnings and post-market surveillance, prompting calls for sanctions and additional court oversight.

July 27, 2016: Plaintiffs Request Remand of Power Morcellator Lawsuits Following Settlement Progress

Following reports of confidential settlements with many plaintiffs, attorneys asked the MDL court to remand remaining morcellator lawsuits to their original jurisdictions. The request reflected the winding down of federal proceedings after major cases had reached resolution.

May 3, 2016: “In Extremis” Discovery Allowed for Terminal Morcellator Cancer Plaintiffs

Judge Kathryn Vratil overseeing the Ethicon power morcellator MDL granted limited “in extremis” discovery for plaintiffs facing terminal cancer diagnoses. The expedited process permitted dying victims to preserve testimony for use in later trials or settlements.

December 18, 2015: Ethicon Power Morcellator Settlements Reported in Federal MDL

Multiple reports indicated that Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon unit reached confidential settlements with several women who developed uterine cancer following morcellator-assisted hysterectomies. The settlements came as pretrial discovery and expert reviews continued to advance in the MDL.

October 15, 2015: Leadership Appointed in Ethicon Morcellation Cancer Lawsuits

The federal court appointed a group of plaintiffs’ attorneys to leadership positions in the Ethicon morcellator MDL. The appointments established a coordinated structure for managing discovery, expert testimony, and settlement negotiations on behalf of injured patients.

September 30, 2015: First Ethicon Power Morcellator Status Conference Held

Judge Vratil convened the initial status conference for the federal multidistrict litigation, setting deadlines for discovery, case selection, and leadership organization. Attorneys for both sides discussed early settlement prospects and pending scientific evidence.

August 17, 2015: Federal MDL Established for Ethicon Power Morcellator Lawsuits

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized all federal morcellator cancer lawsuits before Judge Kathryn H. Vratil in the District of Kansas. The order aimed to streamline pretrial proceedings for cases involving allegations that the devices spread hidden uterine cancers during surgery.

July 9, 2015: MDL Hearing Scheduled for Power Morcellator Lawsuit Consolidation

The JPML scheduled oral arguments to consider whether lawsuits filed over power morcellators should be consolidated into multidistrict litigation. Plaintiffs supported coordination to avoid conflicting pretrial rulings and ensure efficient discovery management.

June 4, 2015: Ethicon Opposes Motion to Centralize Power Morcellator Litigation

Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon unit filed an opposition brief urging the JPML not to consolidate lawsuits involving its power morcellators. The company argued that the injuries and surgical procedures varied too greatly for MDL coordination to be practical.

May 28, 2015: Settlement Reported in Power Morcellator Cancer Lawsuit

One of the earliest lawsuits involving a woman who developed leiomyosarcoma after a hysterectomy using a power morcellator was reportedly settled for a confidential amount. The resolution came before MDL formation and was viewed as a potential bellwether for future claims.

May 12, 2015: Petition Filed to Centralize Power Morcellator Cancer Lawsuits

Attorneys representing women diagnosed with uterine cancer filed a motion seeking to consolidate federal cases before a single judge. The petition cited overlapping allegations that power morcellation devices spread undetected cancerous cells throughout the abdomen during minimally invasive surgeries.

February 24, 2015: Trial Scheduled in First Hysterectomy Morcellation Cancer Lawsuit

A Pennsylvania judge scheduled the first trial involving claims that power morcellation devices spread aggressive uterine cancer. The case, filed against Karl Storz and LiNA Medical, was set to serve as a bellwether for similar product liability lawsuits nationwide.

January 28, 2015: Power Morcellator Lawsuits Mount Following Cancer Concerns

The number of product liability lawsuits over power morcellators continued to rise after FDA warnings linked the devices to the spread of undiagnosed uterine cancer. Plaintiffs alleged that manufacturers knew of the risks but failed to provide adequate warnings to surgeons or patients.

Power Morcellator Lawsuit Examples

September 20, 2016: Xcise Morcellator Lawsuit Filed Over Spread of Uterine Cancer

A woman filed a lawsuit alleging that use of an Xcise power morcellator during her minimally invasive hysterectomy caused the spread of previously undiagnosed uterine cancer. The complaint claimed the manufacturer failed to warn surgeons that morcellation could disseminate malignant tissue throughout the abdomen.

June 9, 2016: Leiomyosarcoma Death Lawsuit Filed Following Power Morcellator Surgery

The family of a Pennsylvania woman filed a wrongful death lawsuit after she died from leiomyosarcoma that allegedly spread due to power morcellation. The claim accused the device maker of negligence and sought damages for failing to issue timely cancer risk warnings.

March 17, 2016: Endometriosis Morcellator Lawsuit Filed Over Dissemination of Cancer Cells

A Michigan woman filed suit alleging that her power morcellation procedure for endometriosis caused cancerous tissue to spread throughout her abdominal cavity. The lawsuit contended that the manufacturer misrepresented the device’s safety for gynecologic use.

January 11, 2016: Gynecare Morcellator Lawsuit Filed Over Leiomyosarcoma Diagnosis

A North Carolina woman filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon unit, alleging that use of the Gynecare morcellator caused her to develop aggressive leiomyosarcoma. The complaint accused Ethicon of continuing sales despite internal data showing cancer risk.

November 17, 2015: Second Leiomyosarcoma Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Morcellation Surgery

The family of a woman who died from metastatic leiomyosarcoma filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ethicon, claiming a power morcellator spread cancerous tissue during her laparoscopic hysterectomy. The suit was one of several filed nationwide over similar fatal outcomes.

October 2, 2015: Leiomyosarcoma Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Gynecologic Surgery

A Florida family filed a wrongful death complaint alleging that a power morcellator used during fibroid removal caused fatal cancer spread. The lawsuit named both the manufacturer and the hospital, citing failure to warn of the known cancer dissemination risk.

July 31, 2015: Morcellator Lawsuit Filed Against Multiple Manufacturers

A product liability lawsuit accused several device makers of selling defective tissue morcellators that spread undetected uterine cancer. The complaint alleged that competing companies ignored growing evidence of risks to maintain their market share.

July 27, 2015: Gynecare Morcellex Lawsuit Filed Over Spread of Uterine Cancer

A patient filed suit claiming that the Gynecare Morcellex morcellator disseminated malignant tissue throughout her body following fibroid surgery. The complaint alleged Johnson & Johnson continued to market the product despite internal concerns about carcinogenic spread.

June 23, 2015: Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Cancer Lawsuit Filed Over Disseminated Leiomyosarcoma

A woman diagnosed with advanced leiomyosarcoma filed a lawsuit alleging that a laparoscopic power morcellation procedure caused her cancer to spread. The claim asserted that both the surgeon and device manufacturer failed to warn of the potential danger.

June 8, 2015: Kaitz Morcellator Lawsuit Filed After Fatal Cancer Spread

The family of Dr. Amy Reed’s patient, Dr. Rachel Kaitz, filed a lawsuit claiming the use of a power morcellator during surgery caused fatal dissemination of uterine cancer. The case drew national attention and intensified calls for regulatory reform.

April 20, 2015: Gynecare Tissue Morcellator Lawsuit Filed Over Dissemination of Cancerous Tissue

A woman filed suit against Ethicon alleging that the Gynecare tissue morcellator spread leiomyosarcoma during her hysterectomy. The lawsuit claimed the company knew of the risk but marketed the product as safe for removing fibroids.

March 24, 2015: Tissue Morcellator Lawsuit Filed Over Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma Recurrence

A New Jersey woman filed a complaint alleging that her endometrial stromal sarcoma returned and metastasized after laparoscopic morcellation surgery. She accused the manufacturer of failing to warn that the device could spread hidden cancer cells.

January 26, 2015: Hysterectomy Leiomyosarcoma Lawsuits Filed Nationwide

A growing number of women filed lawsuits after developing leiomyosarcoma allegedly spread by power morcellation. Plaintiffs claimed that manufacturers downplayed the risks to protect sales, even as reports of fatal outcomes increased.

January 15, 2015: Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy Lawsuit Filed Over Cancer Spread

A woman filed a lawsuit alleging that her laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy using a power morcellator led to the spread of undiagnosed uterine cancer. She claimed the manufacturer concealed the device’s inherent risk of tissue dissemination.

December 12, 2014: Ethicon Morcellator Lawsuit Filed Over Disseminated Uterine Cancer

A product liability complaint was filed against Ethicon, asserting that its Gynecare morcellator caused widespread uterine cancer after a fibroid removal procedure. The lawsuit alleged inadequate warnings and marketing that misled both doctors and patients.

October 29, 2014: Uterine Fibroid Surgery Cancer Lawsuits Continue to Mount

Dozens of lawsuits were filed by women who developed aggressive uterine cancers after undergoing power morcellation surgery. The claims accused device makers of negligence and urged the FDA to impose stricter regulations on morcellator use.

September 10, 2014: Leiomyosarcoma Lawsuit Filed Over Cancer Spread Following Hysterectomy

A woman diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma filed a lawsuit claiming that morcellation during her hysterectomy caused the cancer to spread beyond her uterus. The complaint emphasized that she was never warned about the risk before the procedure.

June 24, 2014: Lawsuit Filed Over Disseminated Cancer After Supracervical Hysterectomy

A California woman filed suit alleging that morcellation during her supracervical hysterectomy caused previously undetected cancer to spread throughout her abdomen. The case was among the earliest to link the device to metastatic cancer.

June 13, 2014: Stromal Sarcoma Morcellator Lawsuit Filed Over Cancer Spread

A Texas woman filed a lawsuit after developing stromal sarcoma that allegedly spread during a morcellator-assisted surgery. The complaint claimed the manufacturer failed to properly test the device or warn of the risk of spreading malignant cells.

June 3, 2014: Robotic Hysterectomy Cancer Lawsuit Filed Over Power Morcellator Use

A Florida woman filed one of the first lawsuits alleging that a robotic-assisted hysterectomy involving a power morcellator led to the spread of a previously contained cancer. The case helped spark national scrutiny of morcellation devices.

Power Morcellator Recalls and Regulatory Actions

December 30, 2020: FDA Issues Final Guidance on Power Morcellator Use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released its final guidance on laparoscopic power morcellators, recommending that the devices only be used with legally marketed tissue containment systems. The agency emphasized patient selection and informed consent to minimize cancer-spreading risks.

April 23, 2019: Power Morcellator Tissue Collection System Guidance Released by FDA

Federal regulators issued updated guidance requiring manufacturers to develop containment systems for use with power morcellators. The FDA said these systems were necessary to prevent the unintentional spread of hidden uterine sarcomas during minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries.

July 23, 2018: CDC Gynecologist Cancer Review Supports Limits on Morcellation

A CDC panel of gynecologic oncologists reviewed data confirming that power morcellation can disseminate malignant tissue in unsuspecting cancer patients. The findings backed tighter restrictions on the procedure and improved pre-surgical screening.

April 19, 2018: FDA Highlights Continued Risks From Power Morcellators

The FDA reiterated warnings that even with containment systems, morcellation carries the risk of spreading undetected uterine cancer. Officials urged surgeons to fully inform patients of these dangers before using the device in fibroid removal or hysterectomy procedures.

February 15, 2017: GAO Report Faults FDA Over Delay in Morcellator Cancer Warnings

A U.S. Government Accountability Office report concluded that the FDA acted too slowly in alerting the public to cancer risks linked to power morcellators. The probe found that the agency had received reports years earlier suggesting the devices could spread aggressive uterine cancers.

March 31, 2015: Health Canada Reissues Morcellator Warnings After Device Review

Health Canada renewed its warnings against the use of laparoscopic morcellators following continued reports of leiomyosarcoma spread. The agency instructed doctors to consider alternative surgical methods to prevent unintentional dissemination of cancerous tissue.

July 11, 2014: FDA Advisory Panel Examines Morcellation Cancer Risks

An FDA advisory committee held hearings to evaluate the safety of power morcellators, following mounting evidence that the devices could spread undiagnosed uterine cancer. Experts recommended tighter labeling, restricted indications, and post-market monitoring requirements.

June 5, 2014: Online Petition Calling for Morcellator Ban Surpasses 10,000 Signatures

A petition led by cancer survivor Dr. Amy Reed and her husband Dr. Hooman Noorchashm gathered more than 10,000 signatures urging the FDA to ban power morcellators. The campaign drew national media coverage and intensified pressure for regulatory action.

April 18, 2014: Health Canada Issues Morcellation Cancer Warning

Health Canada issued a safety alert warning that laparoscopic morcellation during hysterectomies and fibroid surgeries could spread undetected cancer cells. The alert mirrored growing international concern about the device’s potential dangers.

April 17, 2014: FDA Warns of Cancer Risk Linked to Power Morcellation

The U.S. FDA released a safety communication cautioning that power morcellators may spread hidden uterine sarcomas during minimally invasive surgery. The agency advised surgeons to avoid the devices in most women undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy for fibroids.

Power Morcellation Research and Reports

June 4, 2020: Study Links Power Morcellation to Increased Death Risk in Uterine Cancer Patients

A new analysis found that women who underwent hysterectomy with a power morcellator faced higher long-term mortality compared to those treated with traditional surgical methods. Researchers urged hospitals to continue limiting morcellator use due to persistent survival disparities.

May 31, 2017: Embolization Study Suggests Safer Alternative to Fibroid Removal by Morcellation

A fibroid embolization study published in Radiology found that uterine artery embolization may provide comparable results to surgery without the cancer spread risks linked to morcellation. Researchers recommended further adoption of nonsurgical options.

January 18, 2017: Morcellation Cancer Study Highlights Ongoing Safety Concerns

A review published in Obstetrics & Gynecology concluded that women exposed to power morcellation still face measurable risks of disseminating undiagnosed uterine sarcoma. Authors said screening limitations make safe use of the devices nearly impossible.

December 7, 2016: Olympus Introduces “Safer” Power Morcellator Model

Medical device maker Olympus unveiled a new morcellator design with an integrated tissue containment system intended to reduce cancer-spreading risk. Critics, however, argued that design changes did not fully eliminate dangers associated with the procedure.

October 13, 2016: Study Finds Declining Morcellator Use Has Not Increased Surgical Complications

Researchers reported that hysterectomy complication rates remained stable despite a steep drop in morcellator use following FDA warnings. The findings contradicted claims that limiting morcellation would lead to riskier open surgeries.

May 6, 2016: Medical Groups Issue Letter Supporting FDA Morcellation Restrictions

A coalition of women’s health organizations sent a joint letter to the FDA endorsing strict limitations on power morcellator use. The letter cited ongoing reports of patients developing metastatic cancer following fibroid surgeries.

April 20, 2016: Study Confirms Effectiveness of New Morcellator Containment Systems

A study published in Gynecologic Oncology found that sealed containment systems significantly reduced the spread of tissue fragments during laparoscopic procedures. The results provided cautious optimism but stopped short of endorsing widespread morcellator use.

March 17, 2016: Survival Study Compares Morcellation to Other Surgical Methods

Researchers found that patients exposed to morcellation during fibroid removal had poorer overall survival outcomes compared to those who underwent total hysterectomy. The study added to evidence linking morcellation to reduced life expectancy.

November 23, 2015: Study Links Laparoscopic Myomectomy With Elevated Cancer Risks

A meta-analysis indicated that laparoscopic myomectomy procedures involving morcellation carried a significantly higher risk of disseminating undiagnosed uterine sarcoma. The authors called for universal adoption of containment protocols.

October 14, 2015: Drop in Power Morcellator Use Reported Nationwide

A study published in JAMA found that U.S. hospitals had sharply reduced use of power morcellators since FDA warnings, reflecting growing awareness of their cancer-spreading potential. Researchers credited public advocacy for accelerating the decline.

July 8, 2015: FBI Investigates Power Morcellator Cancer Risks

Federal authorities reportedly launched a criminal probe into whether Johnson & Johnson and other device makers concealed evidence of morcellation-linked cancer risks. The investigation followed whistleblower reports and congressional pressure.

June 10, 2015: Smith & Nephew Issues Power Morcellator Warning

Smith & Nephew warned surgeons that its laparoscopic morcellator devices could spread undiagnosed uterine cancer, mirroring previous actions by Ethicon and other manufacturers. The company advised immediate changes to surgical protocols.

April 22, 2015: Questions Raised Over FDA Approval Process for Morcellators

A BMJ investigation criticized the FDA’s 510(k) approval pathway that allowed power morcellators to enter the market without robust clinical trials. Researchers argued that the agency’s reliance on device equivalence contributed to patient harm.

March 16, 2015: Study Links Laparoscopic Hysterectomy to Leiomyosarcoma Spread

A JAMA Oncology study found that women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy with morcellation faced an increased likelihood of spreading undetected leiomyosarcoma. The authors urged clinicians to favor safer alternatives for fibroid removal.

February 4, 2015: Researchers Call for Improved Morcellator Cancer Risk Characterization

Experts published recommendations to refine how clinicians assess and communicate the risks of morcellation-related cancer. The report emphasized that even advanced imaging cannot reliably detect hidden sarcomas before surgery.

January 13, 2015: Studies Highlight Unnecessary Hysterectomies and Cancer Spread Risks

A review found that many hysterectomies involving power morcellators were performed for benign conditions that could have been treated less invasively. Researchers warned that this practice unnecessarily exposed women to fatal cancer dissemination.

December 2, 2014: Johns Hopkins Revises Morcellation Safety Protocols

Johns Hopkins Medicine implemented stricter morcellation policies following reports of cancer spread. The new protocols limited device use to select cases with thorough preoperative screening.

November 12, 2014: Study Links Morcellation to Increased Cancer Diagnosis Rates

An analysis of medical data showed a rise in uterine cancer diagnoses linked to prior morcellation procedures. Researchers said the findings reinforced FDA warnings about the devices’ cancer-spreading potential.

November 6, 2014: Hospitals Ban Uterine Morcellators Amid Growing Cancer Risk Evidence

Several major hospital systems discontinued use of power morcellators after internal safety reviews. Administrators cited the inability to reliably detect hidden cancers before surgery as the key reason for the bans.

October 30, 2014: Experts Warn of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Morcellation Cancer Risks

A published study cautioned that women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy with morcellation faced elevated cancer risks compared to traditional surgery. Researchers called for better patient counseling and informed consent.

September 17, 2014: Study Estimates High Cancer Rates Among Morcellator Patients

Researchers found that the prevalence of hidden uterine cancer in women undergoing morcellation may be much higher than previously reported, leading to revised FDA risk estimates.

August 25, 2014: Study Evaluates Use of Morcellator Tissue Collection Bags

A team of researchers reviewed early containment bag designs and found mixed results in preventing tissue spread. The findings suggested containment could reduce but not eliminate the risk of disseminating cancer.

July 23, 2014: Johnson & Johnson Ethicon Recalls Morcellator Devices

Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon division voluntarily recalled its morcellator products from the market, citing the FDA’s cancer-spread warnings. The move effectively halted most U.S. morcellation procedures.

June 25, 2014: Study Confirms Undiagnosed Cancer Spread During Morcellation

A clinical review found that women undergoing morcellation faced a measurable risk of spreading previously undetected uterine sarcomas. The authors called for regulatory reassessment of all power morcellator devices.

May 13, 2014: Research Promotes Safer Alternatives to Morcellators

A study encouraged surgeons to consider alternative fibroid removal methods such as mini-laparotomy and vaginal hysterectomy. Researchers emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on morcellation.

April 22, 2014: Evidence Suggests Cancer Risk From Morcellation Was Long Known

An investigative report revealed that manufacturers and some physicians were aware of morcellation’s cancer risks long before FDA warnings. The findings intensified criticism of delayed regulatory action.

March 10, 2014: Morcellator Sales Halted Amid Cancer Concerns

Several hospitals suspended morcellator use and device sales after safety data indicated a potential link to cancer spread. Johnson & Johnson and other manufacturers faced mounting scrutiny.

February 20, 2014: Hospitals Begin Abandoning Morcellators After Cancer Warnings

Hospitals across the country discontinued use of morcellators in laparoscopic hysterectomies after early FDA warnings. Health systems cited patient safety and liability concerns.

February 6, 2014: Study Links Hysterectomy Morcellation to Spread of Hidden Cancer

A JAMA study concluded that morcellation during hysterectomy can disseminate undetected uterine sarcomas, leading to rapid disease progression. The findings became a key factor in FDA’s subsequent safety alerts.