As a transvaginal mesh injury attorney I am providing this timely update regarding the status of Vaginal Mesh lawsuits. Click here for the latest news on Bard’s $5.5 M verdict against it, for inflicting injuries following the use of one of its mesh devices.
Transvaginal surgical mesh, what is it?
Transvaginal surgical mesh implants or slings, which have been implanted to repair pelvic organ proplapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI), have been linked to a high rate of serious mesh complications.
Thousands of women have filed transvaginal or pelvic mesh lawsuits for serious injuries, including erosion and extrusion of mesh, perforation of organs, vaginal bleeding, chronic infection, pain and emotional distress.
What is Stress Incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an involuntary loss of urine that occurs during physical activity, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) may occur as a result of weakened pelvic muscles that support the bladder and urethra.
Transvaginal and Pelvic Mesh Complications and Failures
Side effects from pelvic mesh implanted transvaginally may include:
Erosion of the mesh through the vaginal tissue
Exposure or extrusion of mesh, which can require multiple surgeries
Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
Perforation of the bladder, intestines and bowels, vaginal wall injuries
Recurrent Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
Vaginal bleeding
Vaginal chronic drainage, discharge and infections
Vaginal scarring and shortening
In many cases, women require surgery to remove the mesh or sling and may even require two or three additional surgeries. Despite removal of the mesh, complications may not be reversed, and women continue to suffer with vaginal pain and an impaired quality of life.
Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits
Pelvic mesh lawsuits have been filed on behalf of women around the country against several manufacturers of transvaginal mesh (TVM) and sling devices for POP and SUI repair including:
American Medical Systems: Sold under the names Elevate, Perigee and Apogee
Boston Scientific: Sold under the names Advantage Transvaginal Mid-Urethral Sling System, Pinnacle Posterior Pelvic Floor Repair Kit, Obtryx Transobturator Mid-Urethral Sling System, Polyform Synthetic Mesh, Prefyx Mid U Mesh Sling System, Prefyx PPS System, Uphold Vaginal Support System
C.R. Bard, Inc.: Sold under the names Avaulta, Pelvisoft BioMesh, Pelivicol Acellular Collagen Matrix, Pelvitext, and Pelvilace
Johnson & Johnson/Ethicon: Sold under the names Gynecare, Gynemesh, Gynecare Prolift, Gynecare Prolift+M, Gynecare Prosima and Gynecare TVT