Urinary Problems Linked to Transvaginal Mesh

Among the many problems that have been attributed to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) corrected by transvaginal mesh surgery is stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

SUI is leakage of urine that occurs during moments of physical activity such as:

• Coughing
• Laughing
• Sneezing
• Exercise

This condition has been linked to transvaginal mesh placement in surgery for POP.

Other problems related to transvaginal mesh surgery for POP are:

• Pain — pain as a result of transvaginal mesh surgery for POP is one of the more common complications of this surgery. Even if the mesh is removed, pain can remain a lifetime problem.
• Vaginal mesh erosion — this is the erosion of the vaginal mesh through nearby tissues and organs. It is the most common problem associated with transvaginal mesh surgery. Data from a large study of thousands of women showed that 10 percent of women having this type of surgery experienced vaginal mesh erosion within a year of their operation. Many women suffering from mesh erosion have to undergo additional operations to remove the mesh. Complete removal is not always successful, even after numerous surgeries.
• Mesh contraction — this can cause vaginal shortening, tightening and pain.

In a review of the literature, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that transvaginal mesh surgery to correct apical prolapse (prolapse of the top of the vagina) is linked to higher rate of complications that require further surgery than traditional vaginal surgery.

According to the agency, when comparing abdominal POP surgery using mesh with transvaginal surgery using mesh, the abdominal surgery had lower rates of complication. In the case of abdominal mesh surgery, the medical vaginal mesh erosion rate was reported to be 4 percent within 23 months after the operation. This compares to 10 percent of women having transvaginal surgery with mesh.

While the transvaginal POP repair using mesh often restores anatomy, the FDA said according to its findings, this method provided no additional benefit compared to traditional surgery without mesh.

Find Out If You Qualify for a Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit

Considering the findings of the FDA and the numbers of women having problems with transvaginal mesh surgery for POP, you should know that you are not alone. If you are having complications from this type of operation, you may qualify for a transvaginal mesh lawsuit.

The best way to find out is to talk with a lawyer who specializes in helping women with this problem. To schedule a free case review with a qualified transvaginal mesh urinary problems lawyer, please contact us today.