Expert witnesses in the first vaginal mesh trial against Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary Ethicon told jurors that the manufacturer knew its pelvic mesh system contained complications but didn’t inform doctors of the risk.

Texas jurors were presented with internal Ethicon documents that showed the company was aware of vaginal mesh risks related to its Prosima mesh device.

The witnesses testified that Ethicon did not tell doctors about their knowledge that the surgical mesh product had a greater chance of needing a second operation but instead left that information for the medical community to find out through independent research.

Expert testimony also informed the court that Ethicon funded research studies that concluded using natural tissue to treat pelvic organ prolapse was more effective and safer than using the transvaginal mesh product.

The research funded by Ethicon showed dozens of “red flags” including vaginal mesh complications including infections, tissue erosion and bleeding, according to witness testimony.

Plaintiff Carol C. brought the vaginal mesh lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon over allegations that the Prosima system is defective. She claims that since being implanted with the device, she has dealt with chronic pain.

Ethicon denies liability in the bladder sling lawsuit and informed the jury that Carol’s injuries were not caused by the transvaginal mesh but rather a pelvic floor disorder.

Ethicon’s attorney also informed jurors that the identified risks in the internal documents were merely a discussion between doctors about whether the mesh should be implanted as a first treatment of pelvic organ prolapse or if natural tissue should be used initially and only use a bladder sling if that failed.

Transvaginal Mesh Problems

Vaginal mesh systems were marketed to women as a discreet way to treat pelvic organ prolapse which may occur after going through childbirth, menopause or having a hysterectomy. Surgical mesh is a hammock-like product that is implanted into the vaginal area to help with urinary issues.

However, shortly after its release on the U.S. market patients began reporting serious bladder sling complications to the FDA. According to thousands of adverse reports, patients have experienced the following vaginal mesh side effects:

• Perforated blood vessels
• Perforated organs
• Vaginal scaring
• Bladder infections
• Vaginal infections
• Urinary problems
• Painful sexual intercourse

Organ perforation appears to be the most life-threatening pelvic mesh complication as it can lead to septic shock if urine leaks into the patient’s bloodstream.

Surgical Mesh Lawsuits

There are currently about 50,000 vaginal mesh lawsuits pending and half of those are filed against manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon.

In general, plaintiffs filing surgical mesh lawsuits claim they were misled into believing that the pelvic mesh implant was a safe treatment for pelvic organ prolapse when the device actually caused crippling pain and often times had to be surgically removed.

Vaginal mesh lawsuits seek financial compensation for patients to help cover the costs of medical expenses, loss of income as well as for the pain and suffering they have endured because of the alleged design defect of the bladder sling product.

The Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit is Case No. DC-14-04220, in the 95th District Court of Dallas County, Texas.