Due to growing awareness and lawsuits, many women in Arkansas and across the country have started looking for an alternative to transvaginal mesh surgery for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Lawsuits across the country have been joined in Multidistrict Litigation in an effort for more efficient proceedings in pursuing compensation for the women negatively affected by transvaginal mesh (TVM).
Transvaginal Mesh Surgery
TVM was introduced in 1996 for treatment of SUI. The first transvaginal mesh for treating POP was approved in 2002. Originally, the mesh was installed through incisions in a woman’s abdomen. Doctors then began to install the mesh through transvaginal mesh surgery. Thousands of women have reportedly experienced severe side effects by having a transvaginal mesh surgery performed.
According to lawsuits, symptoms included mesh displacement, grafting into the soft vaginal tissue, hemorrhaging, tearing, scarring and the collection of scar tissue, severe pain through the pelvis, abdomen, and legs, painful intercourse, as well as nerve damage. Removing the mesh is a more complicated affair than installing it. The soft tissues of the vagina would absorb part of the mesh and meld together. Doctors have to perform multiple surgeries to remove it and even then there’s no guarantee that it all can be removed.
An Alternate Approach To SUI And POP Treatment
Though there was still some associated risk, insertion of the mesh through abdominal incisions has a much better record of success. Women who do not want to go the surgery and implantation route can find relief in some other treatments. Botox injections in the affected area can help relax the muscles and relieve pain from POP. Various exercises and electrical stimulation can be utilized to build strength in the muscles throughout the pelvis.
A vaginal pessary can be used to help keep the woman’s organs in the proper location. It provides the necessary support that a mesh normally would with the added benefit that it can be easily removed. Cleaning the pessary can help prevent the kinds of infections and problems that women with transvaginal mesh installations experience.
Seeking Legal Help For Damages
Product liability suits have been filed in Arkansas and across the country to pursue compensation and damages by those injured after a transvaginal mesh surgery. Arkansas women should consider contacting Attorney Group for Arkansas if they have suffered because of their transvaginal mesh surgery. You may be able to seek compensation for your pain and suffering.
Attorney Group for Arkansas can provide a free consultation with no obligation. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney experienced in TVM lawsuits. Contact us today.
