Transvaginal Mesh Complications
Since the 1950s, surgical mesh has been used to treat hernias and other types of abdominal surgical procedures. Just over a decade ago, usage of this mesh was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for vaginal placement to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence caused by pregnancy or menopause. Unfortunately, many of these transvaginal mesh procedures have been unsuccessful. Several years after approval, the FDA became aware of serious complications related to vaginal placement of the mesh.
Transvaginal mesh has caused injury to thousands of women. Many of the reported complications stem from the synthetic mesh material, called polypropylene, which has caused serious reactions in many patients. Such reactions have included inflammation of tissue surrounding and supporting the mesh, which leads to mesh erosion. In some instances, the mesh migrates from its original location. Migration can lead to organ perforation, vaginal perforation, infections and severe pain. Many patients have also reported painful sexual intercourse. Some complications are so severe that the mesh must be removed. Sometimes mesh removal requires multiple procedures.
These complications have led to more than 70,000 lawsuits filed against transvaginal mesh manufacturers, including: C.R. Bard, Johnson & Johnson, American Medical Systems, Boston Scientific, Coloplast, and Cook Medical. Lawyers for affected patients contend that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients of possible injuries or complications. C.R. Bard has already offered $200 million to settle 3,000 mesh lawsuits. American Medical Systems has tentatively offered to pay $1.3 billion to settle the bulk of its defective mesh cases.
If you or a loved one has suffered transvaginal mesh complications, immediately contact a lawyer for a free consultation. Certain manufacturers are already settling defective mesh claims. Don’t Wait. Call us today.
