Vaginal Mesh and Its Uses

Female pelvic reconstructive surgery aims to provide relief for women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs).

These disorders can occur due to various factors, such as childbirth, menopause, and genetics.

Pelvic floor disorders include:

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): This condition occurs when the muscles and tissues that hold pelvic organs in place become weak or damaged, causing them to sag or drop into the vaginal wall. POP can cause pressure or pain in the pelvic area, urinary leakage, and difficulty emptying the bladder.
• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): This condition involves involuntary urine leakage when there is pressure placed on the bladder. The sphincter, the muscle that controls the flow of urine, may become weak or damaged, causing sudden urine leakage during activities such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, or physical activity.

Vaginal mesh, also known as transvaginal mesh, surgical mesh, or urogynecological surgical mesh implants, is a synthetic material commonly used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Through transvaginal mesh surgery, a medical expert implants the mesh through the vagina to provide support and strengthen weak tissues and organs.

Initially used in abdominal surgeries, vaginal mesh provided a minimally invasive alternative to traditional female pelvic reconstructive surgery, which involved larger incisions and longer recovery times.

The use of vaginal mesh has now become controversial due to the severe complications many women have faced.

Vaginal Mesh Erosion

Transvaginal mesh erosion refers to the complication where the vaginal mesh erodes through the vaginal wall, causing significant discomfort and complications.

This erosion can occur when the mesh fails to integrate properly with the surrounding tissues or migrates from its original placement.

As a result, the mesh may protrude into the vaginal canal, causing pelvic pain, inflammation, and even infection.

The process of erosion can be gradual, with symptoms worsening over time.

Patients may experience discomfort during sexual intercourse, persistent pelvic pain, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.

In severe cases, vaginal mesh erosion can lead to complications such as fistulas, where abnormal connections form between the vagina and nearby organs, such as the bladder or rectum.

These complications can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and require extensive medical treatment.

Impact of Vaginal Mesh Erosion on Patients

The consequences of vaginal mesh erosion extend far beyond physical discomfort.

Many women experience profound emotional and psychological effects as a result of their complications.

The constant pain and discomfort can disrupt daily activities, strain relationships, and lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Addressing vaginal mesh erosion often requires multiple surgical interventions.

These procedures can be complex and carry significant risks, including infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding tissues.

The recovery process can be lengthy, requiring patients to endure additional discomfort and disruption to their lives.

Other Vaginal Mesh Injuries

While vaginal mesh erosion is a prevalent complication, it is not the only one associated with surgical mesh devices.

These injuries can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, are irreversible and life-threatening.

Some other vaginal mesh complications reported by women include:

• Severe and Persistent Pain and Discomfort
• Vaginal Mesh Infection
• Vaginal Mesh Exposure
• Vaginal Scarring and Bleeding
• Tissue and Organ Perforation
• Urinary Problems
• Recurring POP and SUI Symptoms
• Dyspareunia
• Emotional and Psychological Consequences

Severe and Persistent Pain and Discomfort

Vaginal mesh surgery can result in severe and persistent pain and discomfort for patients.

This pain can occur in the pelvic area, abdomen, lower back, groin, thighs, or legs and may come with shooting or burning sensations.

The cause of this pain is often due to the erosion of the vaginal mesh into nearby tissues or organs.

Other factors, such as nerve damage or inflammation from the mesh, can also contribute to pain.

Vaginal Mesh Infection

Surgical mesh devices are foreign objects introduced into the body, increasing the risk of infection.

Symptoms of a vaginal mesh infection may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swelling
• Discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Unusual bleeding
• Pain during urination
• Frequent infections

If left untreated, infections can spread to other parts of the body or cause severe complications such as organ damage or sepsis.

Vaginal Mesh Exposure

Vaginal mesh exposure occurs when the mesh erodes through the vaginal tissue, becoming visible or felt by the patient.

As the vaginal mesh implant migrates or breaks down, it can protrude into the vaginal canal, causing discomfort and pain and increasing the risk of infection.

Vaginal mesh exposure can also cause difficulties with sexual intercourse or daily activities such as using tampons or performing hygiene routines.

Vaginal Scarring and Bleeding

The placement or movement of transvaginal mesh can cause scarring and bleeding in the surrounding tissues.

This scarring can lead to discomfort during daily activities or sexual intercourse, while bleeding may be a sign of damage to nearby blood vessels.

Vaginal scarring may also contribute to further complications such as vaginal narrowing or fusion, causing difficulties with urination or bowel movements.

Tissue and Organ Perforation

In some cases, vaginal mesh can puncture or perforate nearby tissues or organs, causing severe damage.

This complication may occur during the initial implantation surgery or due to erosion over time.

Tissue and organ perforation can lead to significant pain, bleeding, infection, and other complications requiring surgical treatment.

Urinary Problems

Vaginal mesh surgery can also result in urinary problems, such as difficulty emptying the bladder or frequent urination.

In some cases, patients may develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) or experience urine leakage due to weakened pelvic muscles caused by the mesh.

These complications can significantly impact a patient’s daily life and require ongoing medical management.

Recurring POP and SUI Symptoms

Vaginal mesh is a popular medical device intended to treat POP and SUI, conditions where the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs become weak or damaged.

Complications from vaginal mesh surgery can result in these symptoms recurring even after treatment, leaving patients back at square one.

This recurrence may require additional surgeries, further adding to the physical, emotional, and financial burden for patients.

Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is the medical term for pain experienced during sexual intercourse.

Vaginal mesh complications can cause discomfort, pain, or bleeding during sexual activity, leading to dyspareunia and impacting a patient’s sex life and intimate relationships.

This symptom can also contribute to feelings of anxiety or inadequacy, further affecting a patient’s mental well-being.

Emotional and Psychological Consequences

The physical complications of vaginal mesh erosion can also have significant emotional and psychological consequences for patients.

Chronic pelvic pain, disruptions to daily activities, and the uncertainty of future health outcomes can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, and frustration.

Women may also experience a loss of confidence or self-esteem due to changes in their bodies caused by the mesh implants.

These emotional and psychological impacts can be just as debilitating for patients as the physical symptoms of vaginal mesh erosion and other mesh-related complications.

Medical Procedures Addressing Vaginal Mesh Erosion

When a patient experiences vaginal mesh erosion, there are several medical procedures that doctors may perform to address the issue.

Medical procedures vary depending on the severity and location of the erosion.

It is extremely important to speak to a healthcare professional on the best course of action for the treatment of vaginal mesh complications.

Vaginal Mesh Removal Surgery

Vaginal mesh removal surgery involves surgically removing all or part of the vaginal mesh implant from the body to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of further complications.

This procedure may be necessary if the erosion is severe or has caused extensive damage to surrounding tissues and organs.

Removing the mesh can be challenging, as it may have become embedded in nearby structures, making it difficult to remove entirely without causing further harm.

Revision Surgery

Revision surgery is a procedure performed to repair or replace the vaginal mesh implant.

Affected women may consider this option if the erosion is less severe and the doctor believes they can correct it without removing the entire mesh.

In some cases, revision surgery may also involve additional procedures to address other complications caused by vaginal mesh, such as scarring or organ damage.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and may be the recommended treatment if the vaginal mesh erosion has caused severe damage to this organ.

This procedure may also be necessary if other treatments have been unsuccessful or there is a risk of further complications, such as cancer.

Hysterectomy is a major surgery and can have long-term effects on a patient’s physical and emotional well-being.

Pelvic Floor Reconstruction Surgery

In cases where vaginal mesh erosion has caused significant damage to the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, pelvic floor reconstruction surgery may be necessary.

This procedure involves reconstructing the weakened or damaged structures using tissue grafts or other materials to strengthen and support the pelvic organs.

Pelvic floor reconstruction surgery is a complex procedure that requires a skilled surgeon and can involve a lengthy recovery period.

Medication

Doctors may prescribe medication to manage symptoms of vaginal mesh erosion.

Antibiotics may help treat infections caused by erosion, while pain medications can help alleviate discomfort and improve a patient’s quality of life.

Medication does not address the underlying issue and is often used as a temporary solution while considering other treatment options.

Physical Therapy

In addition to surgical procedures, doctors may also recommend physical therapy to help manage symptoms and improve pelvic muscle function.

Physical therapy can help strengthen weakened muscles and alleviate pain caused by vaginal mesh erosion.

It may also be beneficial for patients experiencing urinary problems or sexual dysfunction.

Legal Aspects of Vaginal Mesh Erosion Lawsuits

The rise in vaginal mesh erosion cases and other injuries from surgical mesh products has led to a significant number of lawsuits against the manufacturers of these medical devices.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks associated with vaginal mesh implants.

Plaintiffs also argue that mesh manufacturers were aware of the potential complications but continued to market and sell their products without disclosing this information.

As a result, many patients have suffered physical, emotional, and financial damages due to vaginal mesh erosion and other related complications.

Because of the large number of cases, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated over 100,000 lawsuits involving vaginal mesh erosion and related complications into several multidistrict litigations (MDLs).

Transvaginal mesh manufacturers named in MDLs include:

• American Medical Systems (AMS)
• Boston Scientific Corp.
• C.R. Bard, Inc.
• Ethicon, Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary)
• Coloplast Corp.
• Cook Medical Inc.
• Neomedic

These multidistrict litigations resulted in substantial compensation awarded to injured patients who received defective and dangerous vaginal mesh products.

While multidistrict litigations for transvaginal mesh are now closed, lawsuits against manufacturers may still be viable.

It’s important to contact an experienced lawyer to understand your legal options and the potential for claims against the manufacturers of your vaginal mesh implant.

Settlement Amounts in Transvaginal Mesh MDLs

Over the years, mesh manufacturers have faced numerous lawsuits and paid billions in settlements and verdicts to compensate patients for their losses.

Past Settlements in Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits include:

• 2013: AMS settled approximately 20,000 lawsuits for $1.6 billion.
• 2013: Ethicon, Inc. received a $11.1 million verdict.
• 2014: Coloplast Corp. settled around 400 claims for $16 million.
• 2014: Boston Scientific Corp. received a $26.7 million verdict.
• 2015: C.R. Bard, Inc. settled over 3,000 lawsuits for $200 million.
• 2016: C.R. Bard, Inc. received a $33 million verdict.
• 2017: Ethicon, Inc. paid a $57.1 million verdict.
• 2018: Boston Scientific Corp. settled nearly 50,000 lawsuits for $189 million.
• 2018: Ethicon, Inc. paid a $35 million verdict.
• 2019: Ethicon, Inc. received a $80.5 million verdict.
• 2022: Coloplast Corp. paid a $2.5 million verdict.

Victims continue filing individual lawsuits against vaginal mesh manufacturers in state and federal courts across the country.

These cases may result in settlements or jury verdicts awarding damages to patients who have suffered from vaginal mesh erosion.

Patients may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the implant.

TorHoerman Law: Vaginal Mesh Lawyers

The complications associated with vaginal mesh erosion can have devastating effects on patients’ health and quality of life.

If you or a loved one have experienced complications such as vaginal mesh erosion following pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence surgery, you may be entitled to compensation through a vaginal mesh lawsuit.

At TorHoerman Law, we are committed to helping individuals seek justice and compensation for their suffering.

Our experienced team understands the complexities of vaginal mesh lawsuits and can provide the legal guidance and representation you need. 

Contact us for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the transvaginal mesh lawsuit instantly.