Transvaginal Mesh Erosion
Transvaginal mesh erosion is a condition that is caused by the mesh used during pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery pushing through the vaginal wall or other nearby organs and structures. It is a known complication of this type of surgery.
Mesh erosion through the vaginal wall can lead to pain and the need for surgery to remove the mesh. It is not always possible to remove all the mesh, even after numerous surgeries.
In a recent review of the medical literature, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it found that from 2008 to 2010 the most frequent complications from using mesh to surgically repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were:
- Mesh erosion through the wall of the vagina (sometimes this is called exposure, extrusion or protrusion)
- Pain
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Organ perforation
- Urinary problems
Complications from Erosion
One of the main complications of erosion of the surgical mesh is pain. If the mesh has eroded into the bladder, it can result in blood in the urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, or fistula (causing urine to drain into the bladder).
If the mesh has eroded into the bowel or rectum, this can result in:
- Pain
- Infection
- Draining of the stool into the vagina
- Bleeding with bowel movements
Other Surgical Mesh Problems
Other problems resulting from the use of surgical mesh for POP surgery include:
- Pain, which may persist after removal of the mesh (which is not always successful)
- The occasional need for two or three additional surgeries to remove the mesh
- Mesh contraction, which can cause pain, vaginal shortening and vaginal tightening
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Urinary incontinence
- Infection
- Vaginal bleeding
In addition to problems that can occur with transvaginal mesh POP surgery, there are also questions as to how effective this type of surgery is. According to the FDA, transvaginal POP repair often restores anatomy, but it has NOT been shown to improve the clinical outcomes for its patients.
Do You Qualify for a Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit?
Many women have reported serious problems after having transvaginal surgery for POP. Our transvaginal mesh erosion attorneys are reviewing potential injury claims on behalf of women that have suffered from mesh erosion and other complications of this type of surgery. To find out if you qualify to recover compensation, please contact us today.