Bladder Sling Lawsuit 2012

Surgical mesh has been in use since the 1970s to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Please contact us for the latest bladder sling lawsuit 2012 news if you have suffered serious side effects. Originally, the device was installed through the abdomen. More recently, mesh kits have been developed for transvaginal placement, with the goal of making installation less invasive and easier to perform. Although vaginal placement has proven to be successful for treating POP, the device has also caused numerous problems for women. In July 2011, the FDA announced they had received thousands of reports citing serious vaginal mesh complications.

Among the problems suffered by women who have undergone the procedure were vaginal pain, infection, bleeding, and mesh erosion. In some cases, erosion of the device through the wall of the vagina could not be resolved. These issues have encouraged hundreds of women to file surgical mesh lawsuit claims against a select group of mesh manufacturers.

There are several variations of pelvic organ prolapse for which vaginal mesh placement can be performed. Below, we’ll briefly describe each of them to clarify how the problems mentioned above occur.

Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele)

This is the most common form of POP. The muscles and tissues that normally support the bladder become stretched or weakened, allowing the bladder to “fall into” the front (anterior) vaginal wall. The organ bulges against the wall, and creates pressure in the pelvic area. The pressure is usually most pronounced when the patient remains standing for extended periods or strains her pelvic muscles.

Surgical mesh is placed between the bladder and vaginal wall. As indicated by the FDA, it is possible for the device to erode through the wall, causing severe pain, bleeding, and other side effects. Vaginal mesh erosion (sometimes called extrusion) warrants removal of the device and repair of the damaged vaginal tissue.

On rare occasions, mesh erodes into the wall of the bladder. Its removal, along with any necessary reconstructive surgery, is particularly difficult, and requires the expertise of a specialist.

Rectal Prolapse (Rectocele)

A rectocele usually requires two circumstances. First, the thin wall of supportive tissue found between the front wall of the rectum and the back (posterior) wall of the vagina weakens (or stretches). Second, the muscles and tissues that support the end of the large bowel also weaken. This allows the rectum to bulge into the lower portion of the vagina. In severe cases, when the supporting tissues and muscles have become considerably weakened, the rectum may protrude through the anus. Rectal pressure and a degree of bowel dysfunction are common with this form of POP.

Transvaginal mesh placement is performed to install the device between the rectum and vagina. Erosion through the vaginal wall presents complications similar to those described earlier. Rectal erosion, while rare, is possible and very serious. If a fistula forms between the rectum and vagina, stool can pass from the former to the latter, causing infection.

Uterine Prolapse

When the supportive muscles and tissues holding the uterus in place weaken, the bottom of the organ can drop into the vaginal canal. The extent of the hernia depends on how weak the muscles have become. The patient will likely experience urinary and bowel dysfunction as well as pain in the lower back. Additionally, she may feel as if something is protruding outside the vaginal opening.

Surgical mesh can be installed to help suspend the prolapsed uterus (the procedure is called infracoccygeal sacropexy). It is rarely done, however, due to the anatomy. Instead, a plastic, removable device called a vaginal pessary is usually installed to provide support.

Small Bowel Prolapse (Enterocele)

This type of prolapse occurs when the muscles supporting the intestine weaken. Lacking sufficient support, the end of the bowel slips downward. It passes behind the uterus, and bulges into the posterior wall of the vagina. This increases pressure, and can lead to lower back pain. It can also cause pain during sex (dyspareunia).

Vaginal mesh can be installed in the same manner as the approach used to repair a rectocele (i.e. through the posterior vaginal wall). Mesh erosion into the bowel, while very rare, can present the same complications if a fistula forms between the bowel and vagina (i.e. stool drainage, infection, etc.).

Over 600 vaginal mesh lawsuit claims have been filed against various manufacturers of the device. If you received a vaginal mesh implant and have suffered from any complications, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation for your injuries. Contact a mesh bladder sling lawsuit attorney to discuss your case and for the latest bladder sling recall news.