Transvaginal (TVM) mesh devices were designed to correct for problems affecting the pelvic organs, though many women have encountered numerous complications as a result of these implants. Women affected by complications caused by mesh implants are pursuing claims with the help of lawyers experienced in handling TVM lawsuits.
If you or someone you love has suffered from complications as a result of pelvic mesh or TVM, contact Attorney Group for more information. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated TVM lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
What is Transvaginal Mesh?
Transvaginal mesh was first introduced in the 1990s as a treatment for women who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the organs in the pelvis start to drop into the vagina as a result of weakened pelvic muscles. This condition can develop during menopause or after a woman has a hysterectomy. Stress urinary incontinence is caused by pressure placed on the bladder. For older women, everyday activities can cause this condition to develop.
Through a surgical procedure, transvaginal mesh is inserted through the vagina as a sling-type device that supports the pelvic organs. Once in place, the mesh prevents pelvic organs from dropping and relieves pressure off the bladder.
Potential Complications
Many of the complications resulting from transvaginal mesh have to do with the synthetic materials used to make the device. Synthetic or inorganic materials placed inside an organic environment tend to lose their shape over time. Likewise, the mesh materials have been shown to change shape, and even erode after a surgical procedure is done.
Since transvaginal mesh is surgically attached to the vaginal lining, the rough edges of the mesh eventually cut through the attached lining. When this happens, not only do vaginal linings get damaged but mesh materials can also cut into nearby pelvic organs, such as the bladder, rectum and uterus. Other complications arising from mesh malfunctions include infection, urinary problems, bleeding, and pain during intercourse. Many of these complications have been detailed in TVM lawsuits filed on behalf of affected women.
FDA Warnings
Ongoing complaints about Transvaginal mesh devices have led the FDA to investigate claims regarding their safety. As of 2011, the FDA has posted warning advisories regarding transvaginal mesh devices and the potential for serious health complications. The agency has also required all manufacturers of mesh devices to conduct ongoing post-market safety studies. In effect, every time another woman files a lawsuit, the FDA becomes that much more hard-pressed to ensure medical manufacturers are held accountable for their actions.
Multiple Revision Surgeries Cited in TVM Lawsuits
Data collected by the DrugWatch resource site reports 75,000 transvaginal mesh surgeries were performed in the United States in 2010. Of this number, more than 10% of the surgeries resulted in complications. Treating complications requires a surgical revision, which entails removing the mesh device since erosion and changes in shape are typically the cause of complications.
In many cases, tissue growth in and around the mesh device makes it difficult to remove the device in its entirety. This means more oftentimes than not, women have to go through multiple revision surgeries in order to remove all of the mesh material. Multiple surgeries are not only costly, but place women at undue risk for further pelvic damage as well as higher risks of infection. This set the stage for Transvaginal mesh lawsuits to be filed for all those affected.
Manufacturers Named in TVM Lawsuits
Because of the pain and suffering caused by transvaginal mesh implants, women have the right to file Transvaginal mesh lawsuits against the product manufacturer. To date, thousands of TVM lawsuits have been filed against companies who manufacture transvaginal mesh devices. Some of the companies include:
- Johnson & Johnson
- Boston Scientific Corporation
- American Medical Systems
- Coloplast
- C. R. Bard
Contact Us For More Information
For more information about your options regarding TVM lawsuits, contact Attorney Group. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
