Transvaginal mesh patches (also called surgical mesh) may be used to repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In some cases, complications of the surgical mesh require correctional surgery or symptoms may persist for the remainder of a woman’s life.
The FDA announced that thousands of reports of transvaginal mesh patch injuries have been reported. In July 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert warning of serious complications linked to transvaginal mesh patches.
According to the FDA, implantation of the transvaginal mesh patch may have significant adverse health effects. The most common transvaginal mesh injuries that have been reported to the FDA are:
- Mesh erosion through the vaginal tissue
- Pain
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Urinary problems
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Organ perforation
- Recurrence of prolapse, incontinence or both
- Neuro-muscular issues
- Vaginal scarring
- Vaginal wall shrinkage
The FDA found that the most commonly reported issue was mesh erosion through the vagina. Mesh erosion can be a devastating side effect requiring multiple surgeries to repair. In some cases, the problem may not be reparable by surgery.
Surgical Mesh Equally Effective, But More Risky
After analyzing data from the last 15 years regarding the use of surgical mesh to repair POP, the FDA found that transvaginal mesh is not any more effective than traditional non-mesh methods. Additionally, the FDA announced that the use of surgical mesh presents more risks than the traditional method.
In addition to these post-surgical complications, women may also suffer injuries during the surgical procedure itself. Such transvaginal mesh surgery complications can include puncturing of the bowel, bladder and blood vessels.
According to a 2008 FDA warning, many women experience discomfort and pain after receiving a transvaginal mesh patch to the extent of diminishing her quality of life. In light of these serious risks, the FDA urges all doctors to speak with their patients about these potential risks.
Have You Suffered a Transvaginal Mesh Patch Injury?
If you have suffered injuries in association with transvaginal mesh patch, you might be able to seek compensation for your financial expenses, as well as physical and emotional losses and suffering. To learn more about your legal rights and options after transvaginal mesh complications, please contact our qualified and experienced attorneys. We can evaluate your case to determine the very best way to help you get the support you deserve.
Overview of the Transvaginal Mesh Patch
During the course of childbirth, or following surgery or a traumatic injury, a woman’s vaginal walls can become damaged. The transvaginal mesh patch was designed to provide strength and support to the vaginal walls. This medical device is often recommended for women with any of the following conditions:
- Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): characterized by uncontrolled urination with increased abdominal pressure, which can occur when laughing, sneezing or coughing.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): characterized by a weakening of the pelvic floor tissues, leading to displacement of the bladder, uterus, vagina, urethra, bowels or rectum.
When these conditions affect a woman, a doctor may recommend a transvaginal mesh patch. Such mesh patches are surgically implanted into the vaginal wall (also referred to as the pelvic floor by some medical professionals). The procedure is considered minimally invasive; however, women are increasingly reporting problems associated with the surgical mesh itself.
Transvaginal Mesh Patch Injury Solutions
When women experience serious adverse consequences after receiving a transvaginal mesh patch, the medical solutions are often costly and invasive. Such transvaginal mesh injury solutions include:
- Surgical repair, often to remove the defective mesh device
- IV therapy
- Blood transfusions
- Drainage of hematomas or abscesses
The solutions to transvaginal mesh patch issues may be pursued alone or in conjunction with one another. This process is often lengthy, expensive and requires significant recovery time. Some women will never fully heal from transvaginal mesh patch complications.
If you or a loved one have been harmed due to a transvaginal mesh patch injury, contact our law office today to speak with one of our attorneys. Our case evaluations are free with no obligation. Protect your legal rights and learn if you might be available for compensation.