Dealing with breakdown after vaginal mesh treatment
In what is turning out to be a nightmare for thousands of ladies who have undergone the treatment for Pelvic organ prolapsed (POP) and received the revolutionary transvaginal mesh implants.
Vaginal mesh is meant to operate as a strengthening and reinforcement of the vaginal floor and assist in the support of the organs. The treatment became very popular form 2002 because the surgery dealing with POP has always been notoriously difficult and the failure of the surgery to cure the problems associated with POP has been hovering between 25 and 30%.
Then the “meshed tape” also known as a “sling” or a “hammock” came onto the market in the 90’s and meant that the surgeons had found a way to reinforce the muscles and structure of the pelvic floor. The mesh is in fact a polypropylene tape which is inserted beneath the front or posterior wall of the vagina and is meant to support the organs while allowing the tissue to grow through it and it is meant to remain in place as a permanent support. The recovery period was significantly faster for those who had had the treatment. All seemed fine and in the United States approximately 75,000 women have had vaginal mesh implants.
But now complications have started to manifest themselves. A growing number of women who have had this treatment are complaining of pain, bleeding, Vaginal infections or shrinkage, urinary problems discomfort during intercourse and in some case erosion.
Removal of the mesh is both not straightforward and does not necessarily cure the problem.
The Food and Drug Administration has published a health warning in July 2011 stating that there are safety issues with transvaginal mesh which were not “rare” and of “continuing serious” concern. They stated that the use of mesh exposed patients to a greater risk of complications than those who were treated by stitching alone. (this is from a review of published literature since 1996 . This followed a prior warning that they had issued in 2008 discussing the increased complications with vaginal mesh implants.
There has been a fivefold increase of reports filed linking adverse effects to the mesh device. Apparently 1500 reports of complications between 2008 and 2010 have been made and this is what is causing concern. The Implantation of mesh is permanent and removal is not necessarily possible or will solve the complications.
A Vaginal Mesh Lawyer will discuss any legal complications that now arise. Was the material used to manufacture the mesh adequately researched and tested prior to release on the market? Were complications that arose during that research adequately reported? Is there a “tort” (a duty of care not to market a defective medical device in this instance) on the part of the manufacturers?
Any woman who has received the mesh and is concerned should certainly continue to have their checkups. If they start to manifest any of the complications listed above they should immediately consult the Gynecologist to have a thorough check up. They should also consult a Vaginal Mesh Attorney to ensure that they have representation in the mass tort litigation that is likely to come about.