Transvaginal Mesh Injury Lawyers in Killeen, Texas
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Transvaginal Mesh Injury Attorney Killeen
Transvaginal mesh devices were introduced in the 1990’s as a way to permanently repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Both of these conditions are the result of weak or damaged vaginal walls and usually arise in older women, typically after they have had a hysterectomy or have experienced menopause. They can also occur as a result of pregnancy or child birth.
- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) – the mesh is used to treat a condition whereby the organs in the lower abdomen can slip out of place. This happens as a result of weak or damaged vaginal walls that allow the bladder, rectum or uterus to drop into the vaginal cavity.
- Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) – the mesh is used to support or reduce pressure on the bladder that can cause complications in control of the urination process. This happens when everyday activities such as laughing, coughing or sneezing place pressure on the bladder and lead to urinary incontinence or leaking of urine.
While the surgical mesh has been used extensively in hernia repairs, it was never tested for vaginal repairs. In fact, it was approved under a fast track approval system known as a 510(k) which doesn’t require the manufacturers to test their products or devices as long as they are similar to an already approved product or device on the market.
But this fast track approval did not bode well for women. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory warning of serious complications related to transvaginal mesh devices, but claimed that complications were rare. Over the next three years, the FDA received more than 1,000 reports of complications from surgical mesh manufacturers so they updated their advisory and noted that complications were not that rare after all.
The FDA also ordered all of the manufacturers to conduct post-market safety studies. The largest makers of transvaginal mesh products include American Medical Systems, C.R. Bard, Boston Scientific, and Johnson & Johnson.
What Are the Symptoms and Complications of Transvaginal Mesh Failure?
The transvaginal mesh implant can be dangerous and life threatening. Transvaginal mesh can erode or extrude and the rough edges of the synthetic mesh can cut through the vaginal lining and nearby organs. This can lead to infections, pain during intercourse, urinary problems and life threatening organ perforation. Other symptoms include:
- Hardening of the vaginal mesh
- Mesh erosion through the vagina
- Vaginal Infection
- Severe Pelvic Pain
- Vaginal Bleeding
- Urinary problems
- Injury to nearby organs
- Organ perforation or erosion
In addition, there are other complications associated with transvaginal mesh failure including psychological difficulties, sexual dysfunction, and bladder, bowel or blood vessel perforation. There are also cases of recurrent prolapse, vaginal scarring and neuromuscular problems.
Unfortunately, the women who have been injured by transvaginal mesh products often require multiple surgeries to correct the problem created by the mesh. Some doctors have described the corrective surgery as trying to “pick bubble gum from hair” once the mesh has degraded. These surgeries are often multiple in nature and often unsuccessful, leaving many with life-long injuries.
Have You Been Injured?
If you have had a transvaginal mesh device implanted and are experiencing physical symptoms or psychological complications, you will want to talk to the personal injury attorneys at Zinda Law Group. We are here to help you understand what happened and why, and what you can do to get the help that you need. Call us today at (800) 863-5312 for your free no-fee consultation and let us help you.
