The FDA recently warned that the transvaginal implant of surgical mesh devices to repair conditions like pelvic organ prolapse could cause severe side effects like vaginal mesh infection. These injuries could affect hundreds of thousands of women who underwent the procedure.
For decades, surgeons have used mesh implants to repair hernias and similar muscle bulges with little complication. In recent years, however, medical device companies began pushing for use of the devices to repair pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence despite limited safety testing.
Now, studies are showing that more than 15% of the women who underwent transvaginal implantation of the devices could face problems like mesh infection. From 2005 through 2011, the FDA received more than 4,000 reports of these types of complications.
Vaginal mesh infection occurs when the mesh device punctures organs in the pelvic cavity or erodes through the vaginal tissue. In many cases, patients have to undergo several follow up surgeries to remove the device, fight the infection and repair the original prolapse issue.
Lawyers are helping those women injured by these defective vaginal mesh implants file lawsuits. So far, the companies who manufacture and sell these devices have paid millions to victims. After a multidistrict court was recently established to handle the influx of cases, experts believe thousands of patients will seek help.
It is important to speak with a qualified mesh implant lawyer to learn your legal rights for your defective device. Contact us today for a confidential evaluation of your case.