Johnson & Johnson Halts Sales of Key Surgery Tools

FDA warns of cancer risk
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 30, 2014 12:28 PM CDT
Johnson & Johnson Halts Sales of Key Surgery Tools
Johnson & Johnson is halting the sale of certain surgery tools over health concerns.   (Shutterstock)

Johnson & Johnson is suspending worldwide sales of surgical tools known as power morcellators, of which it is the biggest maker. The halt stems from concerns that the devices, used in a common uterine surgery to remove fibroids, could in some cases spread cancer in the body, the Wall Street Journal reports. One in 350 women having the surgery could have a cancer called uterine sarcoma, says the FDA, which warned of the issue earlier this month. Morcellators, the Journal explains, generally operate on tissue by sending long blades through small incisions. The FDA may consider new labeling rules for the devices, Tech Times reports. (More Johnson & Johnson stories.)

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