Transvaginal Mesh Litigation~2 min read

Transvaginal mesh has become a nightmare for thousands of women who have suffered severe adverse effects involving erosion and migration of the mesh along with perforation of organs from it. Surgical mesh was designed over 60 years ago for repairing hernias. It’s a woven material made of synthetic or biological materials that usually comes in a prepackaged kit along with tools to aid in the surgical procedure. Because mesh was widely successful in the treatment of hernias, surgeons began using it in other parts of the body that needed support. About 20 years later they began inserting it abdominally for pelvic organ prolapse, a condition ordinarily caused by pregnancy or hysterectomy where pelvic organs descend and protrude. By 2002, the mesh was approved for insertion transvaginally. It was also approved for treatment of stress urinary incontinence, a condition where the bladder leaks urine during activity or even when coughing or sneezing.  The attorneys at Springer & Lyle are available to answer questions regarding transvaginal mesh complication claims.

In a transvaginal mesh procedure, the surgeon uses the material to fashion a hammock or sling under the organs that have descended to support them. The material is affixed to muscles or ligaments, and over a period of time, the woman’s tissue grows into the pores of the mesh, providing stability. The structure then maintains the position of the previously descended organ.

The most frequently reported adverse consequences involve erosion of the mesh or extrusion of it into adjacent organs. Common symptoms are vaginal bleeding, urinary complications and severe pain during sexual intercourse. Many women must undergo multiple surgeries to repair damage from transvaginal mesh. Because tissue grows into the pores of the mesh, removal of it is sometimes impossible.

Between 2008 and 2010 there were nearly 3,000 reported injuries from transvaginal mesh. In 2011, the FDA reported that complications from transvaginal mesh were not rare, and that mesh repairs were no better than other repairs for treating pelvic organ prolapse.

More than 70,000 transvaginal mesh lawsuits have now been filed and consolidated. More continue to be filed. The FDA has now proposed reclassifying transvaginal mesh for pelvic organ prolapse from moderate risk to high risk.

Springer and Lyle is a leading north Texas personal injury law firm with attorneys available to review claims involving transvaginal mesh complications. Women may be able to be compensated for their damages resulting from these complications. There are time limits, so call us immediately.