Understanding The Vaginal Mesh Complications

Over 200,000 inpatient surgical procedures are performed in the U.S. itself every year to treat Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) amongst women. Studies show, approximately 13% of those who undergoes the surgery would need a redo of the operation within the next five years while about 30% of them would undergo another surgery for a related prolapse condition in their lifetime. But even though the FDA has classified transvaginal mesh as a high-risk device and vaginal mesh complications remain to be one of the most highly reported problems, some surgeons continue to use it to treat POP and SUI.

Troubles with vaginal mesh

Traditionally, the pelvic organ prolapse surgery was about repairing the damaged connective tissues with sutures that was commonly referred to as vaginal repair. As the procedure had high chances of the prolapse recurring, the introduction of this mesh-like product deemed to be an effective option for treating the condition. From 2003, the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) approved the transvaginal mesh products although there was little knowledge about the safety and efficacy of these kits initially.

Certainly there are some advantages of the transvaginal mesh over traditional vaginal repair- reduced symptoms of prolapse being one of them. However, there are some much serious vaginal mesh complications. Here's a list of those:

Mesh erosion

Of the many drawbacks, mesh erosion has been the major concern. What makes it all the more difficult is to correct the situation. Painful voiding, urinary frequency, hematuria, urinary urgency, recurrent urinary tract infection and urinary fistula are some of the most evident symptoms of mesh erosion into the bladder. Consult the urogynecologist immediately if there are any of the above symptoms for any long time.

There is lack in mesh testing what makes it all the more risky is the manufacturers have not abided by the safety measures always. In fact, some patients might be allergic to the polypropylene plastic which makes up the mesh. It was the responsibility of the mesh makers to do proper research about the consequences of polypropylene and its allergic reaction which might lead to chronic pain and inflammation. In such cases, the only viable option remains to remove all the pieces of the mesh.

And, close to 14% of the cases have reported about mesh rubs wherein the vagina is left exposed. While some women had no symptoms of the vaginal discomfort others faced discomfort, bleeding and pain during intercourse. Surgical correction is required for such patients, but they are not always clearded off in the first go but might need more than one sitting to correct it.

Recent concerns on vaginal mesh complications

Speaking about the vaginal mesh complications, the revision surgery apparently seems to be an easy procedure, but it is difficult to find a skilled surgeon who could lessen the post-operative complications. It is necessary to assess the skills of the surgeons and the FDA demands for a mandate on video registration. The products have already been filed under the product liability cases and the victims can claim for the expenses of their medical treatment.