A surgical mesh is a loosely woven sheet that can be placed inside the body either permanently or temporarily depending on the type of mesh used and the purpose for utilizing surgical mesh. Mesh that is not absorbed by the body is considered to be a permanent medical implant should provide support and reinforcement for a lifetime. In contrast, an absorbable mesh is one that is merely temporary and it will weaken with time. Some types of pelvic mesh combine permanent and absorbable materials to encourage healing and prevent complications.
However, surgical mesh is not with significant risks. In recognition of this fact, the FDA has reclassified pelvic mesh from an intermediary Class II medical device to Class III device which is reserved for the highest-risk medical devices.
If you have suffered a serious injury due to defective or improper use of surgical mesh, the attorneys of Sullivan & Galleshaw can fight for you. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for honest, hardworking people who have been injured due to negligence or reckless acts.
Complications after Surgical Mesh was used for Pelvic Organ Prolapse or Stress Urinary Incontinence?
Complications can occur when surgical mesh is utilized in the treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and Stress Urinary Incontinence. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs in women when an organ located in the pelvis, such as the bladder or uterus, falls from its normal location due to a weak pelvic wall or when the pelvic wall has been stretched due to childbirth or a surgical procedure. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a leaking of urine due to momentary physical actions or reactions that cause an increase in abdominal pressure. Common reasons for SUI include couching, sneezing, laughter and exercise. SUI is the most common form of urinary incontinence affecting woman. SUI, like POP, is also caused by weak or strained pelvic muscles.
Treatment of POP typically utilizes a permanent implant while treatment of a SUI often utilizes an absorbable mesh to support the urethra or bladder while correcting the SUI. That is, the three major procedure typically used to correct pelvic floor conditions are:
- Transvaginal mesh to treat POP
- Transabdominal mesh to treat POP
- Mesh sling to treat SUI
However the use of surgical mesh can result in severe medical complications if its use in your circumstance and medical history is not meticulously considered by your physician.
The FDA Has Recognized Surgical Mesh’s Health Concerns
The FDA first expressed concerns regarding surgical mesh implants in 2008. According to the FDA, complications due to surgical mesh implants is more common than was once thought with the most common complication being a premature erosion of the surgical mesh. When the mesh erodes fragments of it can become entangled in tissue and organs resulting in pain & suffering and a significant decrease in quality of life. Organ perforation, or the puncturing of an organ, can also occur due to the use and premature erosion of the surgical mesh. However rather than simply becoming entangled, the remaining mesh’s sharp edges can cut and puncture internal organs causing internal bleeding. In some instances, the bladder or bowels can be punctured by the remaining mesh resulting in fecal matter or urine being released into the body. In short, surgical mesh can lead to life-threatening conditions and complications.
Put our surgical mesh litigation experience to work for you
The attorneys of Sullivan & Galleshaw are dedicated to fighting for individuals seriously injured due to negligence or medical malpractice. To schedule your free, confidential pelvic mesh injury legal consultation, call 718-843-0300 or contact us online.