For those who are unaware, a transvaginal mesh implant is a device that is surgically inserted into a woman’s vagina to help treat stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapsed, or weakened vaginal walls. To explain simply, “transvaginal” means passing through or performed through the vagina” while the word “mesh” refers to a flexible net used in surgery to help repair damages. Thus, a transvaginal mesh is a type of mesh inserted. For their part, Transvaginal Mesh Attorneys may be able to help with a lawsuit and court cases involving TVM.
Often times, patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapsed are unable to support their abdominal organs as their pelvic floor muscles have been weakened. The mesh helps to replace the weakened pelvic floor muscles and prevent the patient’s intestinal organs from dropping into the vagina.
History of the Transvaginal Mesh
In the 1950s, surgical meshes were first used to help repair abdominal hernias. In the 1970’s, however, gynecologists began using meshes to help repair vaginas. In 1996, the first vaginal mesh was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treating symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. In 2002, a mesh specifically designed for treating pelvic organ prolapsed was approved as well.
Adverse Health Complications
However, there have been serious complications arising from use of the transvaginal mesh. Women have reported experiencing:
- Vaginal erosion
- Infection
- Recurrence of prolapsed and or/incontinence
- Bloody discharge
- Injury to nearby organs and blood vessels
- Intense pain and discomfort
Simple activities such as walking, sitting, or having sexual intercourse can become painful due to complications from the transvaginal mesh. To help treat the various types of complications from the mesh, additional surgeries, IV therapy, and blood transfusions may be required.
Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits
Many women have filed lawsuits against medical manufacturer for injuries sustained because of the device. If you or someone you know suffered severe injury due to the transvaginal mesh implant, you should speak to a transvaginal mesh attorney. A transvaginal mesh attorney will work to earn you monetary compensation for your pain and suffering caused by the mesh. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.
The Transvaginal Mesh Device
A transvaginal mesh implant is a surgical device used to help repair connective tissue in the vaginal walls. Surgical meshes have been utilized by doctors in the 1950’s to help repair abdominal hernias. It was not until the 1970s that gynecologists began to use meshes to help repair vaginal damage. In 1996, the first vaginal mesh was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Transvaginal meshes are also commonly known as:
- Transvaginal slings
- Tension-free transvaginal slings
- Transvaginal tape
- OB slings
- Pelvic organ prolapsed mesh
- Pelvic screens
When is a Transvaginal Mesh Prescribed?
Transvaginal meshes are usually prescribed to women suffering from symptoms of:
- Stress urinary incontinence (SUI): patients experience involuntary leakage of urine during unexpected times due to insufficient strength of the pelvic floor muscles
- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP): patient’s organs slipping out of place and into the uterus
- Or weakened vaginal walls
Patients with these conditions are unable to support their abdominal organs as their pelvic floor muscles are too weak. The mesh is used to replace the insufficient pelvic floor muscles so as to prevent the patient’s intestinal organs from sliding into the vagina. Many of the described conditions occur as a result of patients having delivered larger babies and experiencing tough labor during childbirth.
When Went Wrong?
After surgical insertion of the device, many women experience adverse health consequences including:
- Vaginal erosion
- Infection and pain
- Recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse
- Recurrence of stress urinary incontinence
- Bloody discharge
- Injury to nearby organs and blood vessels