Transvaginal Mesh Implants that fail
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the tissues that hold the pelvic organs in place become weak or stretched. Thirty to fifty percent of women may experience POP in their lifetime with 2 percent developing symptoms. When POP happens, the organs bulge (prolapse) into the vagina and sometimes prolapse past the vaginal opening. More than one pelvic organ can prolapse at the same time. Organs that can be involved in POP include the bladder, the uterus, the rectum, the top of the vagina (vaginal apex) after a hysterectomy, and the bowel.
Surgical mesh is a medical “tape” made of stiffening synthetic material that may be absorbable or permanent. It is inserted into the vagina wall to provide strengthening and to assist holding the organs in place. Up until 2008 this was thought to be hugely successful with rare complications. In October 2008 the FDA issued a warning that there had been over 1000 cases of complications due to Surgical Mesh over the previous 3 years.
Monitoring continued and in July 2011 the FDA has issued another warning. This is a statement of serious concern. In it, it states that complications are being reported and these include the erosion of the vaginal wall allowing the mesh to protrude, discomfort during intercourse, pain, Infection and bleeding.
The sad thing is that this is not an easy failure to repair, transvaginal mesh, once it is in place, has the surrounding tissue growing through it and the removal is a very complex procedure which may not fix the problem. Anyone who is experiencing Vaginal Mesh Implant complications should consult with an attorney.
There may well be a civil law suit against the manufacturers for a tort in that they owed a greater duty of care to the recipients of their products than it appears has been the case. A Transvaginal Mesh Attorney is working on these cases right at the moment to decide if there is cause for action in a mass tort lawsuit against the manufacturers.
The FDA warning is by no means a case for mass panic and not every patient is going to have these complications. It is to be hoped that very few in fact do end up having this happen to them.
The suggestion by the FDA for patients who have had the mesh implant and thus far are asymptomatic is to:
• Maintain a routine annual checkup with the heath care giver
• Quiz the doctor who performed the surgery for with any questions or doubts they may have.
• Immediately inform the doctor if they develop any persistent pain or discomfort, bleeding or pain during intercourse.
• Other doctors (non gynecological) should be aware that you have a surgical mesh implant to be prepared lest anything should develop.
If they are in fact experiencing problems then contact should be made with the Transvaginal Mesh Attorney who, while not being able to provide them with relief from the pain and anguish may be able to assist with financial relief for the medical bills and compensation for this pain and suffering.