Transvaginal mesh refers to the implantation of a synthetic mesh device through the vaginal wall into the pelvic cavity in order to correct a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
POP occurs when organs like the urethra or bladder drop into the pelvic cavity due to a weakness or stretching of the vaginal wall. The condition affects nearly 1 in 10 women following childbirth, a hysterectomy or menopause. Since POP can cause discomfort and incontinence, surgery is often performed.
Approximately 75,000 women underwent transvaginal mesh surgery last year to correct POP. Unfortunately, the FDA recently warned that these procedures and devices can result in serious complications and may serve no benefit over other, less intrusive options.
The FDA has received over 4,000 reports of problems associated with pelvic mesh implants since 2005. Some of these side effects include mesh erosion through the vaginal tissue, punctured bladders or other organs, infection, bleeding, pain during sex and urinary problems.
If you or a loved one have suffered any side effects after receiving a transvaginal mesh implant, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Help may be available, however, time is limited.
Attorneys representing those women affected by the side effects of pelvic mesh implants have recovered substantial amounts to help with the treatment, ongoing pain and suffering, and loss of intimacy that can result from these devices.
While transvaginal mesh devices were sold by as many as 14 medical device companies over the past decade, each company is responsible for the harm caused by their defective products.
Even if you don’t know the origin of your mesh device, a qualified attorney can explain your legal options and how a thorough investigation can lead to a claim against the responsible party.
An attorney can also discuss your individual case, how much it may be worth and how long you have to take action before your legal rights expire.
On May 12, 2011, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study conducted at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden on the increased danger of mesh implants to correct POP.
Researchers there found that women who received a mesh device as opposed to the traditional tissue stitching procedure were more likely to suffer bleeding, bladder puncture, pain during intercourse, post surgical incontinence and the need for a repeat surgery.
While mesh devices have been used for decades to repair hernias, medical device companies began marketing the material for POP surgeries without specific clinical trial testing for the FDA. Experts now fear that hundreds of thousands of women may have been affected.
Lawsuits for defective medical devices can be complicated, time consuming and expensive legal matters. As such, you should only trust an attorney or law firm that has extensive experience fighting large drug or medical device companies.
The mesh implant resource center only works with the top drug and device injury law firms in the country to make sure your case is handled properly and you recover quickly.
We are available 24 hours a day to discuss your case and provide help. Contact us today to speak with an attorney.