If you are a woman who has had children or a hysterectomy, you are at risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse, or POP. Even though the number of reported surgical mesh complications continues to grow, there has not been an FDA vaginal mesh recall covering the different transvaginal mesh products. POP occurs when the muscles in the pelvic area become weakened, and cannot support the organs in that area, including the bladder, bowel, uterus and urethra. As a result, those organs may drop down toward and even into the vagina, creating pain, incontinence and bowel problems.
POP is actually fairly common, with 30-50% of women developing it in their lifetime. However, of those who develop it, typically a small percentage, 2%, show serious symptoms.
For those who do have symptoms and discomfort, doctors may recommend special exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles. Some patients may need surgery to repair the weakened muscles.
POP Surgery
Doctors may repair the pelvic and vaginal areas either by going through the abdomen or by going through the vagina. When stitching together the weakened muscles, doctors may use a mesh device to help reinforce the repair.
Recent reports have raised concerns about the use of mesh devices in transvaginal POP surgery. The FDA found that numerous women suffered serious complications after transvaginal mesh surgery. Some issues occurred during the time of the surgery, when the mesh device could puncture a nearby organ or blood vessel. Other issues occurred as the mesh eroded over time, causing new complications such as incontinence, repeat prolapse and pain.
Unfortunately, once the mesh is implanted as a permanent fixture, it quickly becomes intertwined with the tissue and becomes very difficult to remove. Doctors found that even when the mesh could be removed, some symptoms still remained. Patients who have had the transvaginal mesh surgery have even experienced renewed cases of POP, even with the mesh insertion.
The FDA has stated that complications from the transvaginal mesh procedure are not rare, and the seriousness of the complications is of concern. In a five-year period, for example, the FDA received over 1500 reports of injuries or death from transvaginal mesh for POP repairs. There currently is no national vaginal mesh recall.
If your doctor recommends transvaginal mesh surgery for POP, it is important to ask questions to understand why this particular surgery is more beneficial for you than other options.
If you have had transvaginal mesh surgery and now have complications from the procedure, you may be eligible for financial compensation. We are investigating lawsuits on behalf of patients who believe the manufacturers of the mesh devices should be held accountable for the injuries and long-term problems these products have caused. For a free, confidential and no-obligation consultation, contact us today. There is a limited time to file a vaginal mesh lawsuit. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.