Surgical mesh is a medical device that is used to provide additional support when repairing weakened or damaged tissue.[1]
What is surgical mesh and transvaginal mesh?
Surgical mesh can be used for urogynecologic procedures including repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It is permanently implanted to reinforce the weakened vaginal wall for POP repair or support the urethra or bladder neck for the repair of SUI. There are three main surgical procedures performed to treat pelvic floor disorders with surgical mesh:[2]
- Transvaginal mesh to treat POP
- Transabdominal mesh to treat POP
- Mesh sling to treat SUI
The dangers of surgical mesh and transvaginal mesh
After intensive study, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged doctors not to use either transvaginal mesh or transabdominal mesh to treat POP. Mesh use during SUI is still under FDA investigation. Doctors are encouraged to explore all non-mesh options with their female patients prior to performing surgery.
When used to repair POP, transvaginal mesh has been known to cause serious damage inside the body. Women have reported suffering from infections and severe internal organ damage as a result of the mesh’s tendency to erode and contract, twisting internal organs and causing immense pain.
Mesh can erode into the vagina, uterus, intestines, or bladder, leading to irritation, serious infection, and pain. If the mesh contracts while supporting drooping organs, it can lead to vaginal shortening, tightening, and tremendous discomfort. Mesh anchor points can cause scar tissue to develop, leading to complications such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, fistulas, and the recurrence of prolapsed organs—all of which significantly lower the standard of living many patients once enjoyed.
SUI mesh can fail at any point following implantation. Complications include scar tissue, erosion, infection, bleeding, permanent pain, and difficult removal.
What should I do if I think my mesh is causing me harm?
If you think that your pelvic mesh is failing, you should discuss your personal medical matter with your doctors. They are the ones suited to investigate device failures. If a doctor has told you the mesh has failed, then you can contact our firm to discuss your legal rights. Many women have already been entered into settlement programs, and large financial verdicts have been assessed by juries against mesh manufacturers.
Below is a list of pelvic mesh subject to litigation, sorted by manufacturer:
Boston Scientific
- Advantage Fit
- Advantage Sling System
- Arise
- Lynx Suprapubic Mid-Urethral Sling System
- Obtryx Curved Single
- Obtryx Mesh Sling
- Pinnacle Pelvic Floor Repair Kit
- Pinnacle Pelvic Floor Repair Kit II
- Polyform Synthetic Mesh
- Prefyx Mid U Mesh Sling System
- Prefyx PPS System
- Solyx
Covidian
- Duo
- IVS Tunneler Intra-Vaginal Sling
- IVS Tunneler Placement Device
- Parietene Polypropylene Mesh
- Surgipro Polyproylene Surgical Mesh
C.R. Bard
- Align
- Avaulta Plus BioSynthetic Support System
- Avaulta Solo Support System
- Avaulta Solo Synthetic Support System
- BioSynthetic Support System
- CollaMend Implant
- Faslata Allograft
- Pelvicol Tissue
- Pelvilace
- PelviSoft Biomesh
- Pelvitex Polypropylene Mesh
- Pelvitex Propylene Mesh
- Ugytex
- UGYTEX Dual Knit Mesh
- Uretex
Ethicon
- Prolene Polypropylene Mesh Patch Secur
- TVT
- UltraPro Mesh
Gynecare
- Gynemesh Prolene Mesh
- Gynemesh Prolift Mesh
- Gynemesh PS
- Gynemesh PS Prolene Soft Mesh
- Prolene Polypropylene Mesh
- Prolift+M Total, Anterior, and Posterior Pelvic Floor Repair Systems
- Prolift Total, Anterior, and Posterior Pelvic Floor Repair Systems
- Prosima
- TVT Abbrevo
- TVT Exact
- TVT Obturator
- TVT Retropubic System
- TVT Secur
- TVT Sling
Johnson & Johnson
- All Ethicon patches
- All Gynecare patches
Mentor
- ObTape
Sofradim (acquired by Covidien; formerly named Floréanne)
- Pelvetex Polypropylene Mesh Patch
- Uretex Pubovaginal Sling
- Uretex Pubovaginal Support Kit
- Uretex TO
- Uretex TO Avaulta BioSynthetic System
- Uretex TOO2
- Uretex TOO3
Tyco
- IVS Tunneller
- TVT
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of transvaginal mesh, contact the attorneys at Allen & Allen online or by calling 1-866-388-1307.
About The Author: Jason Konvicka is a partner and trial attorney with Allen & Allen in Richmond, Virginia. During his 20+ year career, he has achieved numerous record-setting jury verdicts and substantial settlements on behalf of his clients. His practice focuses on medical malpractice, bus accidents and product liability personal injury cases. Outside of the courtroom, Jason is involved with the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and currently serves on its Board of Governors as Vice President.
[1] http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/UroGynSurgicalMesh/
[2] http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/UroGynSurgicalMesh/
