Surgical device that can spread cancer in women having fibroid surgery or hysterectomies recalled

A surgical device which can spread cancer in women having fibroid surgery or hysterectomies is being recalled by the manufacturer.

Johnson & Johnson is asking surgeons and hospitals around the world to return devices used for keyhole surgery which removes growths or women's reproductive organs.

In April the company suspended sales of laparoscopic power morcellators, which have spinning blades to cut up tissue, when the US Food and Drugs Administration issued a safety warning.

The Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says the device is used in some circumstances in Australia but is less commonly used than in the US.

Address of the bookmark: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-01/surgical-device-that-can-spread-cancer-recalled/5641584