New Lawsuit Alleges Multiple Vaginal Mesh Side Effects

A Virginia couple has filed one of the more recent vaginal mesh lawsuits against Covidien Plc and Tyco Healthcare on December 7, 2012. The wife alleges that she suffered from multiple health complications following the implantation of an intra-vaginal sling.

The defendants promoted the product as a treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but are accused of having failed to inform the public of the high failure rates associated with the product and the issues connected with the removal of the implant.

Vaginal mesh devices meant to be superior choices for POP and SUI

Thousands of procedures have utilized the Covidien surgical mesh device. It is variously identified as Surgipro polypropylene surgical mesh; IVS tunneler placement device; and intra-vaginal sling.

Promoted as treating POP and SUI, it is meant to do so without the need for extensive and invasive surgery.

Approximately 40 percent of U.S. women experience POP at some point in their lives, frequently as a result of childbirth. Prior to the creation of vaginal slings, most patients required a colporrhaphy. A colporrhaphy is a surgical procedure meant to reinforce weakened muscles of the pelvis. For many women, subsequent surgeries are required. The devices such as the one designed by Covidien came on the market in the 1990s and were advertised as a superior choice to surgery.

FDA issues alert of risks of transvaginal mesh implants

75,000 women were reported to have received mesh implants in 2011 alone. During that year, the FDA issued an alert to inform the public of the risks connected to the devices. It also stated that the transvaginal mesh implants weren’t any more effective than conventional pelvic surgery and the mesh added a series or risks unique to the devices such as vaginal mesh erosion.

When the rough edges of the device cut through the lining of the vagina, this is known as mesh erosion. When this occurs, it can lead to recurring pelvic prolapses, vaginal scarring, neuromuscular problems and organ perforation.

In the time since the warning, the FDA has ordered the manufacturers of pelvic mesh devices to conduct post-market reviews as to their safety.

Number of vaginal mesh lawsuits expected to rise

Hundreds of women have hired a vaginal mesh lawyer to seek compensation for injuries related to the device. Many claim that the implants were defectively manufactured and/or designed. Because of the warning issued by the FDA, a large number of women are expected to file cases of their own.

The complaints alleged by the plaintiffs in the case filed on December 7th include vaginal pain and bleeding, recurring infections and pain during sex (also known as dyspareunia). She claims that she suffered from substantial pain and suffering as a result of the pelvic mesh device and claims lost wages and earning capacity, as well as emotional distress. Her husband alleges loss of consortium and emotional companionship.

They seek in excess of $25,000 in damages, costs and fees.

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