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Surgical mesh is used to support damaged or weak tissue within the body. The mesh is often made from synthetic materials, such as polypropylene or polyester, though there are animal products for certain situations. When made of synthetic materials, this medical device is non-absorbable and considered a permanent implant.
Surgical mesh, particularly vaginal mesh, has the potential to be a necessary treatment for many injuries and conditions. However, it has caused many women debilitating complications. The harmful side effects arising from vaginal mesh have become serious and common enough that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now considers it to be a high-risk, Class III medical device, which requires pre-market approval.
If physicians implanted vaginal mesh or a mesh sling to treat a medical condition, and you have experienced serious side effects as a result, contact us at Kisling, Nestico & Redick right away. Depending on your situation, you may have a product liability claim against the maker of the mesh implant.
Call an Ohio medical device lawyer at 1-800-HURT-NOW or use our online form to schedule a time to discuss your situation.
When Surgical Mesh is Often Used
Surgical mesh is not inherently for gynecological issues, though it is commonly used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.
Transvaginal mesh and transabdominal mesh are often used to treat POP, a condition in which the bladder, uterus, or rectum descends into or through the vagina. Moreover, mesh slings are used to treat SUI, a condition that arises when certain activities cause urine to leak out of the urethra.
Complications Arising From Vaginal Mesh
Though vaginal mesh is intended to correct a medical condition, it often causes injuries of its own. The edges of the synthetic mesh can lacerate or puncture nearby organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or bowels. Other common injuries result from the mesh migrating throughout the body, leading to lacerations and internal puncture wounds.
The results of these complications include:
- Extreme pain
- Bleeding
- Incontinence
- Urinary tract infections
- Inability to have intercourse
- Inability to walk
The mesh can significantly increase your risk of infection. This is partially due to its ability to cut or pierce other tissue and partially due to the type of material, which can foster bacteria. If an infection is not quickly diagnosed and treated, it may spread throughout the body and may result in death.
Many of the potentially debilitating complications associated with vaginal mesh do not present themselves right away. It may take months or more than a year for complications to occur or for the symptoms to become noticeable. However, this delay in diagnosis and treatment can exacerbate the injuries.
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