On Oct. 9, San Diego County Superior Court Judge Eddie Sturgeon heard closing arguments in a case between the California Attorney General and pelvic mesh manufacturer Ethicon.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s office asked the judge to approve approximately $800 million in penalties against Ethicon, claiming that the medical device company withheld information on the dangers of pelvic mesh from doctors and patients.

According to the lawsuit, Ethicon made false and misleading statements about the safety of these mesh products, and used deceptive marketing strategies to push the devices. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Ethicon cited dubious medical studies to back up the company’s claims that the mesh was safe for patients.

Ethicon is also facing lawsuits from West Virginia, Kentucky, and Mississippi regarding the company’s alleged false claims and withheld information. A lawsuit filed by the state of Washington against Ethicon was settled earlier this year for $10 million.

About Transvaginal Mesh

Transvaginal mesh is a medical device used to treat several conditions, including stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. The mesh sling may be made from animal tissue or synthetic materials.

Although transvaginal mesh implants have been touted as a safer and less invasive treatment method for these conditions compared to major surgery, many women who have been implanted with the mesh products have reported severe side effects due to degradation of the mesh.

Transvaginal mesh may degrade, break, or dislodge inside of patients’ bodies. When the mesh breaks or migrates, it may puncture or adhere to internal organs, resulting in painful internal injuries.

Side effects of degraded transvaginal mesh may be debilitating, painful, and permanent. Many women have reported serious side effects including severe chronic pain, bleeding, infections including chronic urinary tract infections, pain with intercourse, vaginal perforation, organ perforation, and scarring. Additionally, some women have reported allergic inflammatory reactions to the mesh.

Women who suffer from pelvic mesh complications including mesh migration or fracture may require revision surgeries to repair or replace the damaged mesh. Mesh revision surgeries may be more lengthy and difficult than initial mesh placement surgery, due to the adherence between mesh pieces and internal organs. Mesh that has broken and migrated may require multiple surgeries to remove, due to the small pieces.

Victims who have suffered side effects of transvaginal mesh including urinary problems, pelvic organ prolapse, or painful sexual intercourse may be eligible to hire an attorney and file a class action lawsuit against the mesh manufacturer. Some victims who have filed transvaginal mesh lawsuits have been awarded multi-million dollar settlements.

The California AG Ethicon Lawsuit is Case No: 37-2016-00017229-CU-MC-CTL in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.