What is a pelvic mesh implant, and who uses it?
Pelvic mesh, also known as urogynecologic surgical or transvaginal mesh, offers extra support while treating weakening or damaged tissue. The bulk of mesh on the market is made from a blend of synthetic materials and animal tissue (cow and pig, mostly).
The mesh, available in knitted and non-knitted sheet forms, can be absorbed into the body for short-term healing or utilized as a permanent implant. The absorbable transvaginal mesh promotes new tissue development and strengthens the wounded region.
Surgical mesh implants exist in different shapes and sizes, including tape, sling, ribbon, hammock, and mesh. Surgical mesh implants are usually divided into four different types:
· Absorbable synthetic – These transvaginal mesh implants usually dissolve over time as the body absorbs them. It’s used to promote tissue development where there are weakened tissues, assisting the body in strengthening pelvic muscles.
· Non-absorbable synthetic: This plastic or polyester implant is designed to remain in place indefinitely. Polypropylene, a type of plastic, accounts for about 90% of non-absorbable synthetic mesh. This type contains more than half of all FDA-approved surgical mesh implants. This is the most commonly used mesh implant since it is said to respond better with connective tissue and help the body mend itself. These are also regarded as having the lowest infection rate. However, a plastics specialist has raised concerns about using polypropylene in the human body.
· Biologic: These are “natural products” made from disinfected animal tissue that dissolve and integrate into the body over time.
· Composites comprise absorbable synthetic, non-absorbable synthetic, and biological mesh.
Who needs pelvic mesh devices, and how are they used?
Transvaginal mesh is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and also treat stress urinary incontinence in women (SUI). If you are a woman suffering from one of these problems, the surgical mesh will almost certainly be utilized to treat the issue if more conservative treatments fail.
The following are the only non-surgical treatment options:
· Pessaries (tiny silicone or plastic implants used to keep organs in place)
· Pelvic floor exercises
· Surgery without mesh (in which the surgeon uses the patient’s own tissue as support)
However, the surgical mesh has remained doctors’ first choice. In Pelvic organ prolapse instances, it is permanently implanted to strengthen the fragile vaginal wall. In terms of Stress urinary incontinence repair, it acts as a sling to support the urethra or bladder neck.
What is stress urinary incontinence, and how is pelvic mesh used to treat it?
Stress urinary incontinence occurs when the bladder leaks urine due to increased pressure caused by physical exercise.
This affects up to 20% of women, especially after delivery or menopause. When the pelvic muscles are weakened, transvaginal mesh supports the urethra. There are no symptoms other than unintended pee leaking when patients cough, sneeze, have sex, laugh, stand up, or do anything that puts pressure on the bladder. This is uncomfortable and humiliating for women.
However, mesh surgery may be able to assist. Mesh slings can be implanted through a vaginal incision by surgeons. They can also do the procedure through two tiny incisions in the lower stomach, slightly above the pubic bone. The urethra, or tube that transports pee from the body, is supported by the mesh sling. This surgery is known as a mesh sling or a mid-urethral sling.
What is pelvic organ prolapse, and what is pelvic organ prolapse repair?
Pelvic organ prolapse is typically accompanied by pain and discomfort when moving. However, in other cases, the patient may have no symptoms.
Pelvic mesh is implanted to support the region when pelvic organs droop or fall into the vaginal canal due to weak pelvic muscles. The rectum, colon, bladder, or uterus are the most frequent organs affected by prolapse, with the bladder being the most common.
Surgical mesh devices can be surgically implanted on the vaginal front, top, or rear wall to give support. The mesh works as a sling (sometimes known as a “bladder sling” when used in this context), supporting drooping organs.
Many women who have undergone transvaginal mesh surgery to repair pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence treatment are filing transvaginal mesh lawsuits due to mesh complications. The implant has been proven to be no more successful than other options, yet it causes severe issues for many people.
Complications arising from pelvic floor disorders treatments with pelvic mesh implants
Each use of vaginal mesh implants has its benefits and disadvantages.
The use of surgical mesh through the vagina to repair pelvic organ prolapse has been associated with an increase in mesh-related complications. Mesh protruding through the vaginal wall, pelvic discomfort, and pain during intercourse are among the issues.
Maintain your usual care if you’ve had this sort of surgery. This sort of treatment is no longer performed in the United States.
Other complications you may experience include:
· Abnormal vaginal bleeding
· Recurring stress incontinence
· Infection
· Vaginal mesh erosion
· Weakened or damaged tissue
· Mesh exposure
· Weakened vaginal wall
· Neuro-muscular issues
· Organ perforation
· Pelvic pain
· Vaginal scarring
· Vaginal shrinkage (as scar tissue builds)
If you suffer mesh-related complications after your female pelvic reconstructive surgery, you may need to have another surgery, the transvaginal mesh removal surgery. Alternatively, you may improve after using a particular vaginal cream prescribed by your doctor. A process for cutting off an exposed section of mesh may also help you improve.
Do you have a transvaginal mesh lawsuit?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be eligible to join an active case:
· Recurring pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence
· Infection
· Mesh erosion
· Pelvic or groin pain
· Bowel movements issues
A transvaginal mesh lawsuit will almost certainly be filed for faulty goods (also known as product liability). However, if the surgeon inserted it wrongly, it might be considered medical misconduct.
A transvaginal mesh implant that did not function as intended might fall under one of three defective product categories or more: manufacturing faults, failure to warn, or design problems.
So if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or any of the symptoms mentioned, your attorney will get you help or treatment. Next, they will file a case for you, so ensure you are working with an experienced transvaginal mesh attorney, contact Tom Plouff for a free consultation today.
