Transvaginal mesh, or TVM, was thought to be beneficial at one time for those women who were suffering from pelvic organ prolapse or stress-urinary incontinence. However, it has become a nightmare for some of those women. Instead of fixing the problems, it has been known to cut internal organs and results in deadly infections. The worst part is, transvaginal mesh is being used even though studies have not proven that it fixes prolapse problems. This is why many Transvaginal Mesh lawsuits are being filed.
Transvaginal mesh is a surgical mesh that is placed through the vagina to hold up internal organs that have fallen. It was originally created to repair hernias in the abdomen and has been used since the 1950s in the United States of America. In the 1970s, physicians believed that transvaginal mesh could offer some benefit to their patients who had suffered from organ prolapse due to childbirth, hysterectomies, and other internal traumas that resulted in loosened pelvic muscles. Transvaginal mesh was used with traditional surgical methods, by inserting it through a 4-6 inch incision in the abdomen and sewing it to nearby tissues and ligaments, and then affixing it to bones in order to hoist up the organs that had fallen.
Uses of Transvaginal Mesh
In 1996, the FDA approved the use of Boston Scientific’s transvaginal mesh in order to treat Stress Urinary Incontinence. This was the very first device that was inserted vaginally and attached to internal tissues. This device was like a hammock that supported fallen organs and strengthened the weakened muscles. Within one year, the devices began to fail in numerous patients. By the year 1999, the company had recalled 20,000 of these devices, stating that it caused pain, discomfort, and possibly some other severe medical issues. However, due to the FDA rules, other companies began making their own versions of this device- all of the newer devices were modeled after the recalled device.
All transvaginal mesh devices on the market today are used to repair internal organ prolapse and urinary incontinence due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Stress urinary incontinence causes urine to be involuntarily released from coughing, lifting heavy objects or sneezing. Pelvic organ prolapse causes the internal organs to begin to slip out through the vagina. Prolapses are extremely painful and can be life-threatening if they’re severe.
Types of Transvaginal Mesh
There are several different types of transvaginal mesh devices on the market today. The most popular type is the patch, but there are also tension-free transvaginal tape, trans-obturator tape, and mini-slings. However, no matter which type of device is used, they are all very dangerous. The FDA has stated that there has been no research proving that any of the devices actually repair incontinence or prolapses.
Instead, these devices have been proven to cause serious complications and potentially result in severe medical problems, including death. Insertion of these transvaginal mesh devices requires placement by a very skilled surgeon. However, most of the medical device companies don’t provide proper training. If the device is not inserted precisely and correctly, the surgery can cause the internal organs to become perforated, cause internal damage, and possibly life threatening infections. Additionally, the bladder, uterus, and rectum have been known to slip further out of place if the device is not inserted correctly.