The Dangers of Pelvic Mesh Implants

Pelvic mesh, also called surgical mesh or transvaginal mesh, is a medical device used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and and urinary incontinence.  In women patients suffering from symptoms of a prolapsed uterus and/or bladder, the mesh is surgically implanted by instruments inserted through the walls of the vagina. The mesh is designed to help support the sagging organs. Unfortunately, many women who undergo this implant procedure experience severe complications, including infections, continuing incontinence and unrelenting pain. One woman who received the pelvic mesh implant reported she could not stand, sit or walk without severe pain. In this patient’s case, the mesh shrank and moved back out of the vaginal wall, leaving her with painful nerve damage in her leg, in spite of eight surgeries to adjust and remove the mesh.

Since the early 2000s, hundreds of thousand of women have been implanted with pelvic mesh material, and many are suffering severe consequences. In fact, in 2011 the FDA issued a safety communication on the use of pelvic mesh for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. The agency noted that it had received over 3,800 complaints related to pelvic mesh implants, warned that complications are “not rare”, and concluded pelvic mesh, used to treat organ prolapse, may not be any more effective than traditional surgical repair, and may pose additional risks to patients. This year, 10 years after pelvic mesh implants were introduced, the FDA ordered 33 companies to conduct market safety studies on the product. This process may take years to complete.

The manufacturers of pelvic mesh include C.R. Bard, Johnson & Johnson, American Medical Systems, Boston Scientific, Mentor Corporation and others. Hundred of lawsuits are currently pending against these corporations. The lawsuits seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses associated with additional treatment and surgeries, as well as lost wages attributed to the mesh implants.

If you or a loved one is suffering from complications related to a pelvic mesh implant, call the experienced, compassionate attorneys at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik at (810) 720-4000 or toll free, (888) 905-4632. We are determined to achieve the maximum degree of justice for you.