Urogynaecological meshes, also known as transvaginal meshes, are widely used to treat incontinence. This is a condition women suffer from, especially when exercising, coughing, or sneezing. It generally affects women after childbirth and throughout menopause. Many women were enthusiastic about how these net-like implants could help treat their stress urinary incontinence but unfortunately, there are also some complication rates associated with them.
More than 700 women have recently filed a large class action against Johnson and Johnson. Apparently, their vaginal mesh implants have caused much pain as well as other complications to many women in the United States and in other countries. Johnson and Johnson had failed to test these implants, according to the attorneys handling these lawsuits. Also, the surgeons were not warned about the possible risks or complications. Several lawsuits have been filed in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. A woman in the United States was awarded $57M for these types of damages. A product named in these lawsuits is the mini-sling, which was sold as Gynecare TVT Secure back in the early 2000s.
Transvaginal Mesh Complications
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is very common in women after childbirth and throughout menopause. It occurs when the tissues supporting the bladder weaken causing urine to leak during strenuous activities. However, other activities such as coughing, and sneezing can also worsen this condition. Sometimes the mesh is used to support the weakened tissues or surgical repairs. In other words, thanks to the mesh the repair can last longer. Although most women undergoing mesh generally don’t report having complications, there are times when these implants are associated with negative side effects such as erosion into the underlying organs. This may cause bleeding, severe pain, and it may also require another surgical procedure.
How Mesh Implants Can Help?
Mesh implants can still be very helpful when used properly and under the right circumstances. While many patients may benefit from these implants, it is important that healthcare professionals are properly trained to use them. Doctors should understand the benefits but also the risks associated with the transvaginal mesh net-like implants.
If you are considering these surgical repairs, you should talk to your doctor and consider the complications associated with them before undergoing a transvaginal repair. If you have already undergone this surgical procedure and you are not currently experiencing any symptoms or complications, you should not be concerned. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as urinary tract infection and pelvic pain, or any other complication, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Contact A California Product Liability Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, contact us today and schedule your initial case evaluation with a California defective product attorney. You may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling these types of cases. You need to prove the defective product caused the injury otherwise the defendant will not be liable and you will not obtain compensation.