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Transvaginal mesh has been used in the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in tens of thousands of women.
Initially marketed as a longer-lasting and less-invasive alternative to other surgical repair options, increasing evidence indicates that transvaginal mesh devices are potentially ineffective and may contribute to serious health problems. If you are a transvaginal mesh recipient who has experienced complications, the Philadelphia dangerous medical device attorneys at Golomb & Honik may be able to help you pursue financial compensation including money for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Transvaginal Mesh in POP and SUI Treatment
Sometimes referred to as a bladder sling, transvaginal mesh is a device composed of surgical-grade mesh intended to support the pelvic organs.
In the treatment of POP, transvaginal mesh is meant to reinforce the vaginal wall and hold the pelvic organs in place. POP is a condition in which the muscles and tissue surrounding the pelvic organs weaken or stretch, causing the uterus or bladder to slide out of place or bulge through the vaginal wall.
Transvaginal mesh has been used for similar purposes in the treatment of SUI, an involuntary leakage of urine that usually transpires during exercise or other strenuous physical activity. In SUI surgery, transvaginal mesh is utilized to support the urethra and help reduce urinary incontinence.
Transvaginal Mesh Complications
From 2008 to 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recorded almost 3,000 reports of complications associated with transvaginal mesh in POP and SUI patients. That number is more than double the amount of complaints between 2005 and 2007.
Between 2008 and 2010, seven deaths linked to the use of transvaginal mesh in POP procedures were reported.
Complications associated with transvaginal mesh include:
- Infections
- Internal bleeding
- Mesh erosion
- Mesh hardening
- Mesh movement
- Organ damage
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain during urination
- Recurrence of SUI or POP
- Vaginal pain
- Vaginal scarring
Injuries caused by transvaginal mesh require immediate medical attention and the likelihood of revision surgery. In some cases, the complications are irreversible and may result in a diminished quality of life or wrongful death.
Transvaginal Mesh Manufacturers
Transvaginal mesh failure has been reported with a broad range of brand names, including devices produced by:
- American Medical Systems
- Boston Scientific
- C.R. Bard
- Covidien
- Ethicon
- Johnson & Johnson
Women who received a transvaginal mesh device made by one of these companies during POP or SUI surgery may be at risk for injury.
If you suffered harm that you believe was caused by the surgical placement of transvaginal mesh, please contact the dangerous medical device attorneys at Golomb & Honik for a no-cost case evaluation. We welcome prospective clients from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and nationwide.
