A transvaginal mesh can be defined as a synthetic substance akin to a net, offering added support to repair damaged or weakened internal tissues. The name suggests a surgical process through the vagina. Additionally, the mesh comprises holes that enable the body’s tissue to grow in it.
Today, doctors suggest a transvaginal mesh for women who suffer from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) when non-surgical methods fail. However, over the years, women have faced several complications because of this mesh. These include bleeding, organ perforation, acute pain, autoimmune diseases, and even infection.
In this article, we will discuss the health complications of transvaginal mesh and how women can seek legal compensation for it.
Transvaginal Mesh in News for Wrong Reasons
By now, there are about thousands of transvaginal mesh legal complaints filed in the United States. The criticisms from the FDA about this medical device have made patients and doctors doubtful about its safety. To date, seven manufacturers have paid close to $8 billion to more than 100,000 women for facing adverse health complications because of the mesh.
Yvette Greenway-Mansfield, a woman of 59 years, had suffered painful complications after a vaginal mesh implant. Upon filing a vaginal mesh lawsuit, she received a settlement amount of USD 12,73,340.00 from the NHS.
In her lawsuit, she mentions getting implanted with the mesh at Coventry’s University Hospital and facing severe complications. In her medical negligence claim, she said that the hospital trust found out about her premature surgery, which wasn’t needed. Furthermore, her consent for the same was manipulated, which added more risks than she ever expected.
Greenway-Mansfield received her compensation and said that it brought ample relief. However, she also mentioned that many women like her often receive minimal or no compensation. It is necessary to address this shortcoming of the government and ensure that victims get covered for their pain, suffering, medical expenses, and damages they’ve endured.
TorHoerman Law states that women who have suffered because of the vaginal mesh shouldn’t shy away from filing a lawsuit. It’s necessary to get legal representation, and for that, they should work closely with a lawyer. Once they know they are eligible to file a legal claim, they should do as the lawyer directs them. That way, they can expect both justice and the fair compensation that they deserve.
Mesh Erosion and Other Health Complications
One of the common complications that most women face is mesh erosion. It happens when a vaginal mesh somehow erodes through the tissues and gets visible. It results in acute pain during sexual intercourse and even otherwise.
That is not all. Mesh erosion can also affect other organs apart from the vagina. A urinary tract erosion can lead to severe pain and recurring infections. Erosion in the rectum or bladder can lead to pain, infections, and abnormal connections, called fistulas.
Women can experience all these complications right after the operation. For some women, the signs can surface after a year. They can face debilitating pain or mild discomfort.
A few other complications include:
- Pelvic swelling or pain
- Irregular vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Bowel and bladder issues like incontinence and infection
- A sharp stabbing sensation or prickling feeling in the vagina that worsens when women exercise
- Leg, buttock, and abdominal pain
A revision surgery, which is mesh removal, seems to get rid of these complications. However, there are times when the mesh can’t be removed. Several surgeries might be required, and there’s no guarantee that the surgeons will take out all the mesh.
How Frequently Do Mesh Complications Occur?
Studies conducted by BioMed Research International state that the complication rate is between 15% and 25%. Some studies noticed fewer complication rates. For example, the International Continence Society published a Canadian study that found the rate of complications to be lower compared to what the FDA states.
According to the FDA findings, about 10% of patients had suffered from vaginal extrusion, compared to the 2.6% mentioned in the Canadian study. For painful sexual intercourse, the FDA states that 50% of women suffer from it, compared to 2% in the Canadian report.
In conclusion
The transvaginal mesh does lead to several health complications in women. Therefore, you must be aware of these problems and think twice before opting for this device. It is essential to speak with their healthcare provider about the pros and cons of the mesh and arrive at an informed decision. If you have been affected by the side effects of the device, you can seek both medical and legal aid.
