If your doctor has just informed you that the pain and discomfort you are feeling is caused by pelvic organ prolapse, the doctor most likely outlined several treatment options. If you suffer from complications following a POP or SUI repair, please contact us for the latest vaginal mesh lawsuit news. Understanding the nonsurgical and surgical options, as well as being aware of some serious complications is an important aspect in determining your next steps.
About Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When the muscles in the pelvic area begin to stretch or weaken, they may be unable to hold the pelvic organs (bladder, small bowel, rectum, uterus) in place. As a result, the organs may drop and prolapse into the vagina. In addition to discomfort, this displacement can cause difficulty with urination, bowel movements and sexual intercourse.
POP is actually fairly common, occurring in 30 – 50% of women in their lifetime. It may occur as a result of the strain on the muscles from pregnancy or obesity, or it may occur after a hysterectomy. Although many women may develop POP, only 2% of those actually exhibit concerning symptoms.
General Treatment Options
The type of treatment recommended for POP depends on the severity of the condition. For some women, doing regular Kegel exercises is enough to sufficiently strengthen the pelvic muscles. Other women may insert a removable device into the vagina to support to the muscles.
For women who need much more support, doctors may recommend surgery. The procedure to repair the tissues in the pelvic muscles or vagina may be done through the abdomen or transvaginally. In order to deter the muscle tissue from tearing from future strain, surgeons may insert a mesh product to reinforce the repair.
Transvaginal Mesh Problems
In the past six years, numerous patients and their families have raised concerns about complications after transvaginal mesh surgery for POP. The FDA found that between 2005 and 2010, over 1500 reports were filed for injuries or deaths associated with the POP mesh surgery. In many cases, problems occurred during the surgery to insert the mesh device, when the product perforated the bladder, bowel or blood vessel. In other cases, the mesh began to erode, causing severe discomfort. Some patients still suffered from new cases of POP or incontinence.
Surgeries to repair the mesh were often unsuccessful. Because the mesh is intended to be permanent, it is difficult to remove. Furthermore, even when the mesh is successfully removed, complications from the original insertion may still exist.
The FDA has issued a strong statement warning of the widespread complications form transvaginal mesh surgery. While the government organization is determining how to increase the safety and efficacy of this procedure, patients should talk with their doctors about the risks, benefits and options of this type of surgery. There is currently no national vaginal mesh recall.
If you have had complications from a transvaginal mesh procedure, you are not alone. We are investigating claims from numerous patients who want to know why a product and procedure was used when it can result in long-lasting complications. If you would like to know more about these proceedings, we invite you to contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. There is a limited time to file a vaginal mesh lawsuit. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.