Transvaginal Mesh Injury: Alternative Therapies for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The FDA has received thousands of reports from surgical mesh manufacturers noting complications from their surgically implanted transvaginal mesh (TVM) devices. In addition to the thousands of reports, there have been tens of thousands of lawsuits filed for injuries that resulted when the TVM eroded after surgery. It is a commonly known fact TVM implants can significantly increase the risk and degree of complications related to pelvic organ prolapse, and that the insertion and subsequent deterioration of the TVM implant can create the need for more surgeries. In fact, erosion or extrusion of the TVM often starts within weeks or months of the original surgery and occurs in up to 10% of women within one year of a TVM procedure.
There are many complications that can result from a TVM device including erosion, infection, pain, and urinary problems. Other side effects and complications can include:
- Severe pelvic pain
- Organ perforation
- Sexual dysfunction
- Vaginal Infection
- Hardening of the vaginal mesh
- Vaginal Bleeding
- Mesh contraction and shrinkage
- Scarring and scar tissue
- Urinary problems
- Nerve damage
- Injury to nearby organs
- Permanent complications or disfigurement
- Additional surgeries needed to remove the mesh
Alternative approaches are being offered and are now widely accepted for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The great thing is POP can be treated successfully without the risks inherent in TVM mesh erosion or related surgical complications. In fact, there are many alternatives available including the use of medication, physical therapy and pessaries.
- Medication – many doctors believe POP can result from low estrogen levels. An effective form of treatment is estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to raise the level of estrogen in the system and assist in the strengthening of pelvic muscles that have been weakened by low levels of estrogen.
- Physical Therapy – done in the form of electrical stimulation or biofeedback.
- Electrical Stimulation – Electrical current is sent to the pelvic area which forces the muscles to contract, thus exercising them and causing them to grow stronger.
- Biofeedback – the patient performs pelvic exercises, such as Kegel exercises, that strengthen the muscles supporting the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum.
- Pessaries – removable devices that are placed inside the vaginal cavity to provide support and symptom relief. Pessaries are often made from silicone, plastic or rubber and can be a solid material or made to inflate. One of the complications of a pessary can be allergic reactions and irritation of the vaginal tissues.
In addition to medication, physical therapy and pessaries, there are alternative surgical procedures that do not utilize TVM. These less invasive alternative surgeries include laparascopic and robotic laparoscopic surgery.
- Laparascopic Surgery – a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions in the abdomen that minimizes scarring and promotes a quick recovery.
- Robotic Laparoscopic Surgery – also minimally invasive, yet allows the structure of the vagina to be examined through a small camera inserted via small incisions in the abdomen; sutures can be taken to reattach the muscles and ligaments, thus creating support for the pelvic organs.
Zinda Law Group Can Help
For a free legal consultation, call 800-863-5312
With the assistance of the knowledgeable attorneys at Zinda Law Group, you can get the help that you need, get compensated for your injuries, side effects and complications from the TVM, and start to move forward with your life. If you would like to speak with an attorney, contact Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 today. Let us help you.
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