FDA: Traditional Surgery More Effective than Vaginal Mesh Implants
By Anne Bucher
Thousands of women have suffered serious health complications from vaginal mesh implants. Their surgeons promised them that these devices were safe and involved less recovery time than traditional surgery. What their surgeons were not aware of was the high risk of implant failure that could cause painful, long-lasting side effects. Many of these women required corrective surgeries to repair the damage caused by the vaginal mesh implants.
Vaginal mesh implants are synthetic, net-like devices that are inserted through the vagina. They are used to treat pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that occurs when a woman’s pelvic floor muscles become too weak to support the internal organs. Because these vaginal sling implants were substantially similar to other mesh implants available on the market, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaginal mesh devices without requiring the manufacturers to conduct premarket safety testing.
Thousands of Women Have Experienced Significant Vaginal Mesh Implant Complications
Women with vaginal mesh implants have reported a number of serious side effects, including:
- Pain during intercourse
- Urinary problems
- Perforated bladder
- Perforated bowel
- Mesh erosion into vagina
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Vaginal scarring
- Organ injuries
- Infection
In many cases, women experienced nearly constant, debilitating pain from the failed implant. The vaginal mesh implant complications affected nearly every aspect of their lives. Some women are no longer able to enjoy intercourse with their spouses because it causes them too much pain. Because of their vaginal mesh implant injuries, their quality of life has significantly diminished. They are angry at the device manufacturers for not testing the products before putting them on the market.
FDA Finds Traditional Surgery to Be Safer Option for Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
In 2011, the FDA issued a warning that vaginal mesh implant complications were “not rare.” The agency found that there was no evidence that the procedure offered a clinical benefit. Instead, the implants often left the woman at greater risk of experiencing health complications. Traditional surgical procedures are far more effective at treating POP and pose far fewer health risks than the vaginal mesh implants.
Women from all over the world have suffered severe injuries from vaginal mesh implants and have decided to take legal action against the device manufacturers. To date, there have been more than 20,000 vaginal mesh lawsuits filed in the U.S. alone. In the first trial, the plaintiff was awarded $11 million to compensate her for her extensive vaginal mesh injuries.
Hold Vaginal Mesh Implant Manufacturers Accountable
If you or someone you love has experienced severe vaginal mesh implant complications, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. To learn more about your legal rights, visit the Transvaginal Mesh, Vaginal Sling, Vaginal Mesh and Bladder Sling Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. When you submit information about your vaginal mesh implant injuries, a lawyer will review your claim to determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit. When you take legal action against these manufacturers, you can help to send a message to the manufacturers and hold them accountable for their products’ safety.
Updated June 4th, 2013
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