Transvaginal mesh or TVM is a device that is used in surgery to correct pelvic organ prolapse or POP and stress urinary incontinence or SUI. Both POP and SUI can be caused by childbirth, age, weight gain and other factors. In the past, POP surgery was performed by manually lifting and tacking up the organs to keep them from pressing on the bladder.
Johnson & Johnson, American Medical Systems, Boston Scientific, Bard and other manufacturers produced and began to advocate TVM as an “improvement” on the existing surgery. However, it was not long before women began to experience terrible side effects from TVM surgery that, in some cases, affect them for the rest of their lives.
Common Complications from Transvaginal Mesh
While some of the complications from TVM are reversible, others are not and several side effects are very painful. Common complications from TVM include:
- Mesh erosion. In some cases, the mesh will erode after placement, necessitating a second surgery.
- Pain both during sexual intercourse and at other times. Pain during sex as well as during certain types of movement is a common TVM-related complaint.
- Infection. Many women have experienced infections, some of them serious, as a result of TVM surgery or mesh erosion.
- Bleeding. Bleeding from the site is a common complaint, particularly if the mesh penetrates the vaginal wall or an organ such as the bladder.
- Organ perforation. In some cases, TVM has perforated the bladder or even the rectum.
- Urinary tract problems. Many cases of UTIs and other urinary tract issues have been reported in users of TVM.
- Scarring. If the mesh perforates the walls of the vagina or nearby organs, significant scarring can result.
- Fears of intimacy. Due to painful intercourse, many women with TVMs develop a fear of intercourse.
Between 2008 and 2010, the FDA received 1,503 reports of malfunctions of TVMS that led to injuries. Out of 185,000 who have undergone the TVM procedure, at least 4,400 have reported significant complications. In many cases, further surgery was needed to correct the TVM problem.
Finally, in 2012, the FDA issued an order to TVM manufacturers requiring them to conduct studies on the safety and efficacy of this product. Had this been done prior to releasing it to the public, it is possible that many women may not have suffered injuries from TVM.
Women who have suffered complications from TVM may be entitled to payment of medical bills as well as payment for pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of consortium and other damages.
Recent Transvaginal Mesh Litigation
There have been nearly 15,000 TVM cases filed as part of multidistrict litigation lawsuits in West Virginia, and 2,000 more are awaiting trial in New Jersey and across the country. So far, one woman in California has been awarded $5.5 million from Bard and a South Dakota woman has been awarded $11.1 million from Johnson & Johnson for TVM complications.
If you have suffered any side effects from TVM surgery, contact the law offices of David & Philpot immediately to discuss the particulars of your case. Call 800.360.7015 or fill out our free case evaluation form and we will get right back with you.
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