Thousands of Women Complain of Vaginal Mesh Complications, Sue Implant Makers
By Anne Bucher
Millions of women suffer from pelvic organ prolapse, which occurs when the muscles in the pelvic floor become weakened and can no longer support the organs. This condition causes discomfort and requires surgical correction. Vaginal mesh implants have become increasingly popular as they require less time in surgery and a faster recovery time. However, in recent years, many women have been coming forward to complain about significant complications associated with the vaginal mesh implants.
Vaginal Mesh Complications
In 2010, approximately 185,000 patients received vaginal mesh implants to treat pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence. In many cases, women’s bodies reject the vaginal mesh implant, creating serious and painful health consequences. The mesh may work its way through the vaginal wall and enter the vagina. Researchers found that nearly 15 percent of women who received vaginal mesh implants experienced complications. They also found that the vaginal mesh implants were no more effective than traditional surgical treatment.
Symptoms of vaginal mesh complications may include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal infection
- Mesh erosion
- Pain
- Urinary problems
- Perforated organs
- Pain during sexual intercourse
The top manufacturers of vaginal mesh implants include Ethicon, Boston Scientific, C.R. Caird and W. L. Gore & Associates. In 2012, the FDA ordered the makers of vaginal mesh implants to study the risks associated with the medical device. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) had initially issued a warning about health risks associated with vaginal mesh implants in 2008, but insisted that problems with the implants were rare. After experiencing a five-fold increase in complaints related to vaginal mesh complications, the FDA amended its warning to indicate that vaginal mesh injuries were not rare.
Thousands of Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits Pending
Faced with expensive medical costs to repair the damage caused by the vaginal mesh implants, many women have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of the products. There are currently thousands of lawsuits pending throughout the country. More than 2,000 vaginal mesh lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in a federal court in New Jersey. Other federal lawsuits have been consolidated into MDL in a West Virginia federal court.
In the first vaginal mesh trial, a jury awarded the plaintiff $11 million in damages. In this case, the plaintiff had to undergo more than 20 surgeries in attempt to repair the damage caused by her vaginal sling implant. She claims that the pain caused by the vaginal mesh became so unbearable that she could not perform basic tasks. After five months, she decided to have the vaginal mesh implant removed, only to find out that her tissues had already grown in around the mesh.
Victims of vaginal mesh complications may be able to receive compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injuries. Thousands of women who have suffered vaginal mesh injuries have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of these devices. They have the potential to recover millions of dollars for their injuries. Visit the Transvaginal Mesh, Vaginal Sling, Vaginal Mesh and Bladder Sling Class Action Lawsuit Investigation to learn more about your legal rights. When you submit information about your vaginal mesh complications, an attorney will review your case at no cost.
Updated April 19th, 2013
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