Vaginal mesh and pelvic sling implants have been implanted in millions of women to help repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). POP occurs when organs (vagina, cervix, uterus, bladder, urethra, rectum) in the pelvis slide out of place and SUI is defined by the unintentional release of urine during activities such as sneezing or laughing. These conditions can be painful, embarrassing and severely impact your day-to-day life.
What is Transvaginal Mesh?
Transvaginal Mesh was developed to help fix pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) conditions that usually affect women after a childbirth, hysterectomy, or menopause. The mesh provides support to the pelvic organs and muscles, but sadly these devices intended to help women are linked to serious complications.
The most common side effects reported by the US Food & Drug Administration include:
- Mesh Erosion through the vagina
- Pain
- Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Organ perforation/tearing
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Urinary problems
- Erosion of the vaginal tissue
- Lower back pain
- Pressure or feeling of “fullness” in the lower abdomen
Victims of vaginal mesh implant and sling failures may be compensated for:
- Loss of quality of life
- Lost wages
- Additional surgery
- Out of pocket medical expenses
- Emotional distress
- Loss of ability to have sexual relations
- Pain and suffering
Already 800 million dollars is set aside for women who have a transvaginal mesh/pelvic sling implant and now are suffering. The money is paid by the manufacturers of the mesh implants including Johnson & Johnson, C.R. Bard and others who continued to produce and sell transvaginal mesh even after they knew the severe and painful injuries their defective products were causing women.
Complications can occur years after mesh/pelvic sling surgery
Even if you have not noticed problems or complications from your mesh implant, it is essential to understand the potential long-term risks of vaginal/pelvic mesh. A recent study quotes physicians as saying “even 2 or 3 years of follow-up without erosion does not guarantee a future free from erosion; there is no safe time for erosion when permanent materials are used.” It’s important to be aware that even after many years complications can begin and ongoing check-ups are necessary.
In order to get compensation for your transvaginal mesh implant injuries, it is critical that you file a claim against the specific manufacturer of your implant. Often even the surgeons don’t know the implant manufacturer. We can help you determine the manufacturer of your implant and make sure you don’t navigate the complicated world of pharmaceutical manufacturing alone.
To learn more about a potential vaginal/pelvic mesh or bladder sling lawsuit, contact the personal injury lawyers of Rubenstein Law immediately or visit one of our offices for your free consultation. There are statutes of limitations that restrict the time frame in which you may be able to file your claims, so call us today.