Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits Rise As More Victims Come Forward

What is Transvaginal Mesh

The mesh used during TVM surgery is a polypropylene plastic. The mesh is designed to stay in the body, thus becoming a permanent implant. Transvaginal refers to the surgical placement of the mesh up through the vagina. The mesh acts as a flexible shield that supports the pelvic muscles, helping to hold up the organs. While doctors are able to secure the mesh abdominally, they feel that the transvaginal route is less invasive and easier to perform.

This particular mesh was designed specifically to repair POP and SUI. These conditions often transpire after childbirth, a hysterectomy or with menopause. With pelvic organ prolapse, the tissues holding the pelvic organs weaken and stretch. The organs will then bulge, or prolapse, in or past the vagina. Other pelvic organs that can prolapse include the bowel, rectum, the uterus or the bladder. Stress urinary incontinence refers to the leaking of urine while performing physical activity or laughing, coughing or sneezing. These conditions not only create shame and embarrassment but can greatly reduce a women’s quality of life.

Problems Linked to Transvaginal Mesh

Doctors have safely inserted mesh through the abdomen for many years. However, when inserted vaginally infections are much more common or the body may reject the mesh altogether. Another complication is the mesh becomes firm, breaking apart with pointed edges that can tear tissue or slice into organs. Women have described symptoms presenting within a few months of the mesh implant that include:

• Pelvic pain, abdominal swelling or a feeling of being "poked"
• Urine or stool contain blood
• Vaginal discharge
• Pain during urination or during intercourse

Some women also reported recurring prolapse, scarring in the vagina and emotional troubles due to the ongoing complications.

FDA Review

The FDA has performed extensive research on the subject of transvaginal mesh concluding that mesh erosion is reportedly the most common complication resulting from TVM surgery. Oftentimes, even after multiple surgeries the erosion cannot be repaired. The findings also reveal that the insertion of mesh through the vagina offers no greater result than if performed through more traditional means. Furthermore, the complications that arise from transvaginal mesh placement have shown to be lower if performed through the abdomen.

Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits

Regulators in the healthcare industry have warned that one in ten women will experience complications from transvaginal mesh. The TVM implantation techniques suggested by some manufacturers have been called into question for being the cause of many significant complications. It has been alleged that some manufacturers of TVM insufficiently tested and promoted defective products or intentionally did not disclose to doctors the risks involved in using transvaginal mesh. Transvaginal mesh lawsuits have been filed in hopes of getting much needed compensation to those victims who have been physically and emotionally damaged by this product. If you or someone you love has had complications from TVM surgery contact an attorney who has personal injury experience to learn more about the options available.

The author is a legal writer, holding context to Transvaginal Mesh Surgery that most women undergo these days. Through this article, she has highlighted the symptoms of transvaginal mesh and the person’s right to claim compensation for the same.