What is a Transvaginal Mesh Implant?

Transvaginal mesh implants are medical devices that are used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

Since the procedure was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002, thousands of women have come forward with reports of adverse events associated with transvaginal mesh implants. These adverse events include pain, bleeding, infection, and even death.

As a result, the FDA has issued several warnings about the risks associated with transvaginal mesh implants.

What is a transvaginal mesh implant?

A transvaginal mesh implant is a piece of synthetic fabric (typically made from polypropylene, a type of plastic) that is inserted through a small incision in the vagina, then anchored to the pelvic bone with screws or other fixation devices.

Transvaginal mesh implants have typically been prescribed to treat the conditions of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

Pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which one or more of the pelvic organs (uterus, vagina, bladder or rectum) falls from its normal position and protrudes into the vagina. This can cause pain, discomfort, and a number of other problems.

Stress urinary incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence is a condition in which urine leaks unexpectedly when a person laughs, coughs or sneezes. It’s caused by a weakness or damage to the muscles and tissues that support the bladder.

Stress urinary incontinence can happen to any woman, but it’s more common in women who have had children. It can also be caused by obesity, menopause or chronic conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

There are a number of treatments for stress urinary incontinence, including pelvic floor muscle exercises, surgery and transvaginal mesh implants.

Potential complications with transvaginal mesh implants

While many women have reported no issues with transvaginal mesh implants, others have reported a wide array of complications, ranging from minor to very severe.

This list includes:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Urinary problems
• Organ perforation
• Mesh erosion
• Device failure
• Death

If you or someone you know begins to experience any of the preceding symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will likely want to perform a number of tests to determine the cause of the problem. These tests may include:

• Pelvic exam
• Imaging tests (such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI)
• Urinalysis
• Blood tests

Once your doctor has determined the cause of the problem, they will develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual situation. This plan may include:

• Pain relief medication
• Surgery to remove the transvaginal mesh implant
• Additional surgery to correct the problems caused by the transvaginal mesh implant

Legal options for those experiencing from implant complications

If you or someone you know experiences complications from a transvaginal mesh implant, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the implant.

If you decide to file a lawsuit, your lawyer will work to get you the compensation that you deserve for the injuries that you have suffered. This can include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages.

If you or someone you love is experiencing complications from a transvaginal mesh implant, the attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse are available to take your call. 

With an attorney who was appointed to the leadership of national pharmaceutical and medical device litigations, we are specialists in defective device cases, and we are prepared to get you the maximum possible judgment in your case. Call today – 314-241-1919.