Vaginal Mesh Implant Blog

Vaginal mesh implants are popular to many urologists and gynecologists worldwide because of its use in the management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). Various materials were used to create different designs for these medical devices in order to achieve higher cure rates. The implantation of surgical mesh into the walls of the vagina is used in POP and SUI by reinforcing the support of the pelvic muscles to keep the pelvic organs attached in the right place. But in recent years, there have been many negative comments reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to these reports, various deadly risks result from vaginal mesh procedures .

Based on records, almost 40% of the women in the United States are afflicted with POP and SUI, and this figure is certain to go up as women get older making them more prone to these two debilitating conditions. These disorders advance as a result of low estrogen level in the body such as in menopause and hysterectomy, making it common to many older women. However, young women are no exception for these debilitating disorders; pregnancy and vaginal delivery are also seen as predisposing factors since it can induce a decreased muscle tone in the pelvic area.

Erosion of the vaginal mesh is a negative effect shared by most of the recipients. It is considered as most dangerous since it can lead to other negative effects like the development of infections, pain, vaginal bleeding, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse, and malodorous vaginal discharges.

Vaginal mesh infections worsen POP and SUI making reconstructive procedure difficult or sometimes impossible. It may occur during the insertion of the vaginal mesh implant or while the patient is on recovery phase and the incisions are not completely healed yet. Symptoms that may signify the presence of infection include rejection of the mesh, pelvic dragging, pus-filled or bloody vaginal discharges, and induration of incision.

Bleeding is possible to occur both during the operation and the recovery phase. Although vaginal mesh implantation is considered as minimally invasive, the risk for hemorrhage due to the unsafe handling of surgical instruments is high. During the recovery phase, the patient is encouraged to avoid straining exercises as this can also cause bleeding of the surgical incision.

Recurrence of prolapse or incontinence is viewed as another major problem rising up to the rate of 30%; this may be due to the materials used for vaginal mesh production which do not provide a permanent repair. Once it recurs, reconstruction is hardly possible.

In view of the increasing use of vaginal mesh and the continuously rising rates of complications related to it, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued public information regarding the danger of using vaginal mesh products.

Going through vaginal mesh surgery can have a permanent negative effect on your life if you will consider it, so being aware of its negative consequences can be helpful to you or to someone important to you. Be informed of the safety of vaginal mesh procedure by asking your doctor and by inquiring about other treatment options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse or Stress Urinary incontinence. However, if you are one of those women who have suffered from the deadly complications of this procedure, you may be eligible for a vaginal mesh lawsuit and claim compensations for your loss.

References:

www.thewomens.org.au/Meshinvaginalprolapsesurgery

emedicine.medscape.com/article/276259- overview#a0102

www.e-meducation.org/news/aibs-teaching- cases/malodorous-vaginal-discharge-after-pelvic- surgery.html