Vaginal mesh lawsuit 2012 cases are on the rise as more women seek compensation for the injuries they have suffered from mesh devices. That’s according to a recent Bloomberg Businessweek magazine article that details how at least 600 lawsuits have been filed against four manufacturers of the surgical mesh device.
The surgical mesh devices are used to help alleviate pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition that can occur when the pelvic muscles weaken and organs such as the bladder, urethra and uterus can slip downward and protrude into the vagina. Because the pelvic muscles may weaken due to age, pregnancy, childbirth and weight, it is actually fairly common for women to have some amount of pelvic organ displacement, but only 2% of these women tend to have symptoms.
When symptoms of POP are present, however, they are impossible to ignore. Women feel pressure, pain and general discomfort, and may have difficulty with bodily functions.
Treating POP with Vaginal Mesh
Doctors may implant a mesh device to help support the weakened muscle area. But some patients have found that the so-called cure is worse than the original condition. An FDA review of all surgical mesh products from 2005- 2010 found nearly 4000 reports of complications. The biggest concern occurs because the mesh can erode, which, in some patients, causes constant, debilitating pain. The mesh can also contract, leading to pain and uncomfortable sexual intercourse. In some cases, the mesh can be life threatening. In seven POP repairs between 2008 and 2010, the patients died. The mesh device can puncture an organ, leading to a hemorrhage.
Removing the device does not always solve the problem. Because the mesh is designed to be a permanent insertion and because it can become intertwined with the tissue, it is not necessarily easy to remove. Some patients have found that, even with removal, their complications remain.
Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit
Because so many complications have arisen, despite the individual manufacturer, patients are asking the question if the overall devices are at fault. Did the manufacturers test the devices thoroughly to ensure that they were safe? According to the Bloomberg Businessweek article, if one mesh device is tested, a newly developed device only needs to show that it is “substantially equivalent” to the existing one, but does not need to undergo extensive testing.
Although the FDA is reviewing the classification of surgical mesh from moderate risk to high risk, this information comes too late for those who are currently experiencing complications. Currently, there is no vaginal mesh recall that covers all of the different surgery mesh products being used in repairs.
If you have had surgery mesh complications and are considering your legal options including filing a vaginal mesh lawsuit, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your individual situation in a free and confidential consultation.