If you’re considering mesh implant surgery, it’s time to be aware of the secrets lingering behind such implants. Fact: There have been approximately 70000 mesh implant lawsuits filed by women against the manufacturers of the products.
According to FDA, the number of mesh lawsuit settlements paid out to victims has increased drastically. For instance, between 2005 and 2010, there were about 4000 cases of malfunction, death or injury arising from transvaginal mesh surgeries.
What exactly is transvaginal mesh?
The product is often made of polypropylene (a member of the plastic family). It is called transvaginal since the mesh is implanted via the vagina. Initially, it was invented to fix stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women. POP is a medical condition that takes place when pelvic muscles weaken and pelvic organs drop into the vagina.
Even though the products were invented to treat women with SUI and POP, some of them are turning out to be dangerous and unreliable.
Often-overlooked dangers of surgical mesh implants?
After going through transvaginal mesh implants, most women end up suffering from infections, organ perforations and tissue erosion. First, women were told that the mesh implants would support their pelvic organs. The information that was retained by doctors was that there could be serious complications after the surgery.
Erosion
This is where the mesh implant wears out due to the soft internal tissues. It can lead to agonizing pain and at times it might be exposed (meaning it can be visible externally). Erosion can also cause pain during sex and at times it might be impossible to have intercourse with your partner. Infections might arise from urinary tract erosion.
In 2011, FDA reported that erosion of mesh is the most common complication arising from the surgery. Moreover, the rate of complications from bladder sling operations has increased by 4%.
Organ perforation
Refers to the penetration of the wall of a hollow organ in the body. Organs that are mostly affected include rectum, urethra, bladder or bowel. Once the mesh erodes through internal tissues, it can perforate or puncture organs.
If this condition becomes severe, the victim might experience difficulty in breathing and infections might occur. Perforated organs can lead to septic shock by leaking waste or urine into the bloodstream.
Erosion and organ perforations are the most serious complications from mesh implants. Here are other side effects and complications:
- Fistulas
- Damage to the nerves
- Problems in the neuro-muscular regions
- Bruising
- Retention of urine
- Urinary tract infections
- Hematomas
Are there any alternative treatments?
In most cases, removal of the mesh through surgery is always the best approach. However, this is nearly impossible, and one might require multiple surgeries. Even if the victim goes through with the surgery, some pieces might remain. Hence, why most women are constantly filing mesh implant lawsuits.
Final verdict
It is better to seek other solutions to POP and SUI rather than going for mesh implants. FDA has proved that such implants will lead to more complications rather than solutions. Therefore, don’t be among the ones forced to file mesh implant lawsuits. Stay safe, live healthier.