Vaginal mesh erosion is one of the most prevalent side effects of vaginal mesh. One study involving over 12,000 women found that 10% had vaginal mesh erosion after a year of surgery.
The “most common and consistently reported mesh-related complication” from transvaginal surgeries using mesh was vaginal mesh erosion.
What is mesh erosion?
When a vaginal mesh fails to stay in place and protrudes through the vaginal wall, destroying skin and tissues, this is known as mesh erosion, protrusion, or extrusion. The vaginal region may show signs of exposed mesh.
Pain, bleeding, and uncomfortable sexual activity are common side effects of vaginal mesh extrusion, leaving some women unable to have sexual relations. When a woman has vaginal mesh erosion, it may cause discomfort and pain during sex.
However, the FDA has warned that several procedures may not always address major transvaginal mesh issues, including vaginal mesh erosion. Thus, women who have suffered these vaginal mesh complications may need further transvaginal mesh repair or removal surgery.
What is mesh extrusion?
Mesh extrusion occurs when the mesh becomes visible through the vaginal wall. In most cases, vaginal mesh extrusion may be remedied quickly and painlessly.
Depending on the quality of the mesh and the quality and condition of the vaginal skin, mesh exposure may occur as a result of the incision not healing fully over the mesh (a healing defect) or as a result of the mesh working its way through the skin over time.
Mesh Erosion vs Extrusion:
Vaginal mesh extrusion seldom results from infection and usually does not need complete removal.
How do you fix mesh erosion?
If the exposure happens while the wound is healing, cautious therapy with vaginal antibiotics and vaginal estrogen lotion is typically used. A small surgical treatment, including exciting and cutting the exposed mesh and then sealing the skin over the defect, will be necessary if the skin does not heal over the exposure in 2-4 weeks.
Local anesthetic or light sedation is generally sufficient for this minor surgery, which may be performed in the doctor’s office. In most cases, the amount of exposure is little and readily treated without the need for mesh removal surgery. It is common practice for physicians to try less invasive methods initially.
However, suppose the exposure isn’t healing, the surgeon continues performing minor trimmings in the office, and it still doesn’t take care of the exposure, or the patient is experiencing persistent pelvic pain. In that case, final treatment should be sought from an expert surgeon in the operating room.
Transvaginal Mesh Complications: Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Trans vaginal mesh procedure treats pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence in pelvic reconstructive surgery. The pelvic floor muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and other organs are given a helping hand by the medical-grade surgical mesh material.
When the pelvic floor muscles are too weak, organs, including the bladder and uterus, might protrude. Consequently, these organs may slide down your pelvic region and into your genital area.
Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine or the inability to reach the toilet in time due to an overactive bladder or urethra, which weak pelvic muscles may worsen the condition.
To realign your pelvic organs, your doctor will undertake transvaginal mesh surgery utilizing vaginal mesh kit procedures.
Mesh placement is not risk-free, just like any other medical operation. Some examples of these synthetic mesh complications are:
· Bleeding
· Infections
· Chronic pelvic pain
· Abdominal or pelvic discomfort
· Sex-related pain
· The disintegration of the mesh
· Mesh excision
· The tightening of the mesh, known as vaginal mesh contraction
· Vaginal mesh exposure
· Recurrent urinary tract infections
In addition to the negative effects on physical health, these factors have been linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression in women.
How to Know If You Are Suffering From Vaginal Mesh Complications
Pelvic mesh implants have been the gold standard for treating prolapsed pelvic organs and stress incontinence ever since they were first introduced. Most women dramatically improve their symptoms and quality of life after undergoing pelvic floor surgery. However, depending on the illness being treated and the technique utilized to install the mesh, problems after mesh implant surgery occurs in around 5% of women. Some surgery complications manifest quickly, while others may not appear for years.
Up to 30% of women report experiencing new-onset discomfort in the year after pelvic mesh implantation, making it the most often reported consequence. Typically, this discomfort is localized in the pelvic region; however, some women also report pain in the groin, hip, and leg.
If you have any of the following symptoms, which may be connected to surgical mesh, please see your doctor as soon as possible:
· Sensing a protruding piece of mesh in the vaginal area
· Constant vaginal discharge or bleeding
· Experiencing groin or pelvic pain
· Hurting yourself or your partner while having sex
Maintaining regular checkups is vital even if you are feeling OK.
What To Do If You Experience Pain After Mesh Implantation
It’s usual to feel a painful stomach, cramping, or soreness around the cuts the doctor made (incisions) for a few days after transvaginal mesh kit procedures. The pain should subside after a few days, and you should feel better and stronger.
However, you may tire fast and need pain medication for a few days. Some women may return to work the some days following surgery. Others must rest for several days to a few weeks before returning to work.
Other adverse effects are sometimes caused by the gas pressure used during surgery. You may get neck or shoulder ache. Alternatively, you may feel pressure on your bladder and need to pee more often than normal. These adverse effects should subside within a few days.
Don’t lift anything heavy while healing to allow your incisions to heal. After the mesh for pelvic organ prolapse surgery implantation, your doctor will give you pain medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to deal with the mild pain you will experience after the surgery.
However, if you experience severe pain even after taking pain medication, go back to your doctor and contact a mesh attorney to help assist with your rights.
