Medical device manufacturers originally intended polypropylene mesh for abdominal hernias. Then, over a decade ago, the notion that it could provide a suitable treatment for pelvic organ prolapse arose. Surgeons implanted the material, but the surge in cases using this product caused manufacturers to rethink its use.
They developed transvaginal mesh kits designed for use by general urologists and general gynecologists instead of surgeons. As the number of women treated for POP using these kits grew, so did the number of complaints from the women in whom they were implanted. Many of the complications associated with the use of transvaginal mesh kits can be life-threatening.
What complications could you face?
Thousands of women shared similar complications, such as the following:
- Infections
- Urinary issues
- Vaginal bleeding
- Lower back pain
- Perforation of the bladder, bowels or blood vessels
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Reoccurring POP
You may experience other symptoms as well. These are just the most common. If you experience any of these symptoms, or a combination thereof, it would benefit you to seek medical attention right away.
What causes these complications?
First, you need to know that this medical device also caused issues for those who had it implanted for abdominal hernias. Second, most people assume that the person implanting the mesh for POP has the requisite experience and that the product is safe. When it comes to transvaginal mesh, neither is correct in many instances.
Now, the primary cause of the complications is the fact that the mesh can contract up to 85 percent once implanted. As it does so, it pulls on the nerves in your pelvic region. This is why you experience general pain and pain during sexual intercourse. Evidence suggests that your body treats the mesh as a chronic wound, which causes inflammation.
Moreover, implanting the mesh through the vagina does not allow the doctor to see that he or she is likely hitting nerves required for walking, pelvic floor function and bowel function. To make matters worse, the location of the mesh makes it problematic to remove safely and without causing further damage.
The implantation of transvaginal mesh is a “blind” procedure
Another critical factor in the injuries suffered by those implanted with this medical device is that the procedure falls under the category of “blind surgery.” This method requires a certain degree of skill that most doctors using this device on patients do not have. The inability to see properly during the procedure leads to many issues for the patient.
You may have legal recourse
Your suffering has more than likely led to time off work, increased medical costs and perhaps even additional surgery in order to remove the product or to repair certain types of damage done, such as perforations. Your finances probably suffered as well.
You may be able to seek compensation for those losses. These cases quickly become complex when dealing with doctors and medical device manufacturers. It may be in your best interest to contact a Texas attorney willing to take on the potential defendants in your claim.