New study details transvaginal mesh complications following POP repair

April 30, 2013

According to a study recently presented by a group of Russian researchers, some women may be associated with a higher risk of developing transvaginal mesh complications following a pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair surgery if they are younger and have less severe POP - which is a condition in which a pelvic organ shifts out of its normal position or begins to protrude through the vagina.

Specifically, the study - which was recently presented at the 28th Annual EAU Congress - found that several factors may influence a woman's risk of transvaginal mesh injury after POP repair, including the age of the patient, the severity of the prolapse and concomitant hysterectomies.

In all, the researchers studied 677 patients that underwent POP repair surgery from 2006 to 2010 - repairs that utilized surgical mesh in the procedures. Sadly, the researchers found that 152 of the patients experienced some type of complication during surgery or shortly thereafter.

In particular, there were several complications directly related to vaginal mesh use, including 32 instances of mesh erosion, seven cases of mesh shrinkage and 16 patients who complained of dyspareunia (pain during sex) and other pain.

Issues associated with transvaginal mesh

Unfortunately, the problems associated with the use of transvaginal mesh in POP repair are nothing new. In fact, in the summer of 2011 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning after it received over 2,800 reports of transvaginal mesh complications from the beginning of 2008 through 2010.

Interestingly, the most common complications reported to the FDA during this period also included mesh erosion, dyspareunia and pain - in addition to infection, bleeding and organ perforation.

Also, the FDA noted in its warning that it had reviewed various scientific literature regarding the use of transvaginal mesh in POP repair and found that the use of mesh generally does not improve results or "quality of life" over non-mesh repairs.

Tragically, the complications associated with transvaginal mesh have led to countless injuries and thousands of lawsuits. Consequently, if you or a loved one has suffered due to the use of transvaginal mesh in a POP repair surgery, it may be advisable to speak with an experienced defective medical device attorney. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney can provide helpful guidance in outlining what your rights and options may be given your particular circumstances. In addition, they can assist in obtaining the compensation you may be entitled to.

Article provided by Aaron M. Levine & Associates
Visit us at www.aaronlevinelaw.com