It’s estimated than in the last 5 years around 65,000 vaginal mesh implants and transvaginal tape (TVT) operations have been carried out in the UK, to treat women suffering from Stress Urinary Incontinence(SUI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse(POP). The procedures are currently making headlines in Scotland after a number of women have suffered as a result of their implants. It’s feared the number of people affected may exceed those involved in the PIP breast implant scandal.
Unlike the PIP scandal there is currently no evidence of any specific issues with the manufacturing process and no single manufacturer has been identified as a particular risk. However, in America over $20 million has already been awarded by the courts to women who have suffered side effects from vaginal mesh implants and TVT. Endo, one of the mesh implant manufacturers, has paid out more than $50 million in vaginal mesh implants settlements outside of the federal consolidation of lawsuits, so far this year. America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reclassified the procedure as ‘high risk’.
What Are Vaginal Mesh Implants and Why are They Used?
Doctors first used what we now call vaginal mesh to treat abdominal hernias back in the 1950’s. Within a few decades they began using them to treat female Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). In the late 1990’s medical companies began to develop and sell mesh products in configurations designed specifically to treat these two conditions.
The term “vaginal mesh” refers to the surgical mesh (and mesh products) that are implanted in POP and SUI operations. It is a semi-permeable barrier implanted into a woman as a reinforcement structure to help keep her internal organs in place.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
This is a condition in which a woman’s reproductive or pelvic organs fall into or through her vaginal opening. The doctors use surgical mesh to create a sling-like structure to support the organ (i.e. urethra, bladder, etc). This is a relatively new technique and The Department of Health is funding an ongoing trial comparing both mesh and non-mesh surgeries. About 1,500 such operations are carried out in the UK each year.
Bladder Prolapse
This is whenthe bladder is no longer supported. This can lead to Urinary Incontinence (urine leakage caused by sneezing, coughing, exertion, laughing etc.). Synthetic tapes and slings are widely used in surgery to help women suffering from SUI. In the UK more than 13,000 such operations are carried out each year.
How Safe Are Vaginal Mesh Implants?
POP and SUI are distressing conditions and, for most women, these new surgical techniques have resulted in an improvement in their quality of life. However, a percentage of women have suffered significant side effects after surgery.
Vaginal tapes for SUI have had low adverse rates, typically between 1-3% each year. The adverse rates for vaginal meshes used to treat POP are higher, at around 15%. However due the problems a large number of patients had prior to the surgery it can be difficult to interpret these figures accurately.
I’ve Had a Vaginal Mesh Implant, How do I Know if Something’s Wrong?
Below is a list of some of the most common symptoms reported by patients where there has been a vaginal mesh failure:
- Mesh protrusion or erosion
- Abdominal Pain and soreness
- Mesh contraction and shrinkage
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Urinary problems including incontinence
- Chronic vaginal discharge
- Frequent vaginal infections
- Bladder obstruction / Inability to urinate
Women who experience these or other symptoms after receiving a transvaginal mesh implant should seek prompt medical attention.
I’m Due to Have a Vaginal Mesh Implant, What Should I Do?
Find out the answers to the following questions from your doctor or surgeon before you agree to go any further:
- Why are the reasons for choosing the use of surgical mesh or a traditional non-mesh repair in my case and what are the alternatives?
- What are the success rates of using mesh versus traditional surgery?
- What are the pros and cons (including side-effects and potential sexual problems) of using mesh versus alternative procedures such as traditional surgery?
- If mesh is to be used, what experience has the doctor / surgeon had with mesh implants.
- What have been the patient outcomes and have they had to deal with any complications?
- How will I feel after surgery and how long will it last?
- Can the mesh be removed if there is a complication?
In the next article we’ll look at how vaginal mesh implants are affecting women around the world and what's being done to addres the issues.
We Can Help
If you or someone you love have suffered from side effects or complications from vaginal mesh implants or transvaginal tape (TVT), then you may be entitled to compensation. The failure of a vaginal mesh device can have a far reaching impact on quality of life and claiming compensation can help towards medical treatment, support and any debts incurred should you need to take time off work as a result of the symptoms.
Call us free on 0800 756 7774 to talk to one of our specially trained advisors, or simply complete the online claim form on the right of this page, and we will have a specialist solicitor contact you to discuss your options.
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/346197/12million-Awarded-to-U-S-Women-with-Side-Effects-from-Mesh-Implants
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