Transvaginal Mesh Complications

Potential Complications Following Transvaginal Mesh Surgery

The FDA is receiving a growing number of reports concerning serious medical complications associated with the use of transvaginal mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). From 2005 through 2007 the FDA received over 1,000 adverse event reports for the use of surgical mesh products to treat POP and SUI. In a 2011 Safety Communication, the FDA noted that "from Jan. 01, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2010, the FDA received 2,874 additional reports of complications associated with surgical mesh devices used to repair POP and SUI." Many of these reports concern serious medical complications and health problems resulting from the use of transvaginal mesh products. The notice goes on to say that "we are concerned that the number of adverse event reports remains high."

The complications associated with transvaginal mesh devices include transvaginal mesh erosion and transvaginal mesh contraction, both of which may cause severe pain and dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse). Additional complications can include infection, urinary problems, bleeding, organ perforation, vaginal scarring, and recurrence of prolapse. Transvaginal mesh complications may require multiple surgeries and the removal of the transvaginal mesh. The FDA reported that these complications "have not been linked to a single brand of mesh."

Mesh Erosion

A common complication associated with transvaginal mesh devices is mesh erosion. Mesh erosion, also known as protrusion, extrusion, or exposure, occurs when the mesh erodes or protrudes through the vaginal wall. This can result in pain, bleeding, infections, pain during sexual intercourse or an inability to engage in sexual intercourse.

Mesh Contraction

Mesh contraction, or shrinkage, is a complication associated with transvaginal mesh products, according to the 2011 FDA Safety Communication. The issue has been reported both to the FDA and in scientific literature. Vaginal tightening and vaginal pain may result from mesh contraction. Like mesh erosion, contraction can result in severe pain, painful sexual intercourse, or an inability to engage in sexual intercourse.

Injured by transvaginal mesh or sling?

The transvaginal mesh lawyers at Girard Gibbs investigate cases of women across the country who have experienced health complications after receiving a transvaginal mesh implant. If you or a loved one suffered transvaginal mesh injuries, you may have a legal right to pursue financial compensation for your injuries or other damages. Fill out the form to the right or call (866) 981-4800 for a free and confidential consultation concerning your possible transvaginal mesh lawsuit.

	A. J. De Bartolomeo is a partner at Girard Gibbs LLP. She has more than twenty years of experience in complex litigation, including the representation of clients who have been injured as a result of defective drugs or faulty medical devices. >> More about Transvaginal Mesh Lawyer A. J. De Bartolomeo
	Claire Y. Choo is an attorney at Girard Gibbs LLP. Ms. Choo is currently investigating reports from women who have suffered serious injuries and complications after receiving a transvaginal mesh implant. >> More about Transvaginal Mesh Attorney Claire Choo

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Girard Gibbs is a national litigation firm representing consumers, investors, employees, and small businesses in cases involving consumer protection, personal injury, securities, antitrust, and employment laws. The firm’s senior partners, Daniel Girard and Eric Gibbs, have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 and Northern California Super Lawyers, and have earned AV-Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, recognizing them in the highest class of attorneys for professional ethics and legal skills.