Johnson and Johnson has stopped selling fibroid surgery devices Wednesday, due to potential cancer risks associated with their use.
The company told The Wall Street Journal more details were needed from medical professionals before sales resume.
"We believe that suspending the commercialization of these products until their role is better understood and redefined by the medical community is the appropriate course of action at this time," Johnson and Johnson said in the statement.
Johnson and Johnson told customers in an official statement that the decision did not come easy.
"This decision was not made lightly because we are well aware of the significant benefits that these products can offer many women," the company said."Since 1998, Ethicon's morcellation devices have enabled thousands of patients to have minimally invasive surgical hysterectomy and myomectomy procedures, instead of more invasive surgical procedures."
This process, known as morcellation, slashes body tissue for removal to help prevent cancer from spreading to other areas. But now, the United States Food and Drug Administration is concerned that exposed tissue could cause cancer to spread.
"Ethicon morcellation devices have always included cautions in their instructions for use about the potential spread of malignant tissue," the company said in a letter to customers.
A Johnson and Johnson spokeswoman told Reuters the suspension affects devices across the globe.
"We are also reaching out to regulatory agencies around the globe, as this is a global notification," Sheri Woodruff said.
The United States Food and Drug Administration suggested on April 17 that medical professionals not use laparoscopic power morcellators during certain procedures, including the removal of fibroid tumors from a uterus and the extraction of the organ itself.
Although the gadget could be detrimental to some, others find it helpful, Reuters reported.
A doctor, whose wife reportedly fell victim to infection was pleased about the news, but wanted to see more.
"I think it's a major step in the right direction," Dr. Hooman Noorchashm told Reuters.
