Women may develop medical conditions such as urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse due to age, childbirth, or after having a hysterectomy. These conditions may cause the pelvic organs to slip into the vaginal canal, resulting in discomfort and other medical complications. Many of these women will undergo a surgical procedure using transvaginal mesh to correct the problem. Unfortunately, transvaginal mesh is linked to serious pain and a long list of medical complications.
What is Transvaginal Mesh?
Made from a synthetic substance called polypropylene, transvaginal mesh is a small, net-like device that is surgically implanted into the vagina to hold pelvic organs in place. This type of mesh was first used to treat hernias, beginning in the 1950s. It was approved by the FDA to treat pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence in 1996. However, the FDA did not require that manufacturers conduct safety studies on humans prior to the device’s release. Further, many transvaginal mesh products were modeled after a device called the ProtoGen Sling, which was recalled due to high erosion rates in 1999.
Transvaginal Mesh Complications
In 2011, the FDA reported that it had received 4,000 adverse event reports linked to transvaginal mesh products. Despite the many complications, surgeries to implant transvaginal mesh continue with shocking frequency. The following complications are associated with mesh products:
- Erosion of the mesh itself
- Erosion of surrounding vaginal tissue
- Severe pain in the pelvic area
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Urinary incontinence
- Perforation of surrounding organs, including the bladder and bowel
- Perforation of blood vessels
- Scarring
- Fistulas
- The need for revision surgery
Transvaginal mesh is intended to remain in the body permanently. As such, revision surgeries can be exceptionally difficult. In layman’s terms, they can be costly and quite painful. In many cases, the mesh has to be removed in pieces, and the revision surgery often has to be performed by a specialized doctor. A Boston defective medical products attorney can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured by transvaginal mesh or a similar device.
Transvaginal Mesh Implants “Cannot be Recommended”
According to a report published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, more than 15 percent of patients who have been implanted with transvaginal mesh have suffered from severe pain and infections due to tissue erosion. The article’s authors write that: “Surgeons should be aware of the potential complications of synthetic meshes. Until data on the safety and efficacy of the intravaginal slingplasties are available, these procedures cannot be recommended.”
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are considering getting a transvaginal mesh implant, it is in your best interest to speak with your health care provider about the risks. If you currently have a transvaginal mesh implant and are experiencing side effects, such as bleeding or pain, seek immediate medical attention. A MA defective medical device attorney can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured by any type of mesh device.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Top Defective Medical Device Law Firm
If you have been injured due to another’s negligence, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. Tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed against mesh manufacturers, including Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific, and American Medical Systems. If one of these companies has caused you harm, it should be held accountable for its actions. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. Don’t go through this difficult time alone. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve so that you can get on with your life. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.