Commonalities found among patients with transvaginal mesh complications

After thousands of transvaginal mesh surgeries were performed – often to resolve problems caused by pelvic organ prolapse – problems caused by the mesh were revealed. Consequently, many women have suffered serious and painful complications, sometimes requiring additional surgeries.

Researchers recently announced specific factors they found to be more likely to lead to complications following transvaginal mesh implantation at the European Association of Urology Congress. According to the Russian researchers, the factors that often result in transvaginal mesh complications include:

• The patient’s age
• Seriousness of the pelvic organ prolapse
• Whether the patient had a hysterectomy in the past

Although contrary to what some may imagine, the patients who suffered the most following transvaginal mesh operations were younger, had a less serious kind of pelvic organ prolapse or had previously undergone a hysterectomy.

The researchers reviewed data from over 675 patients who had transvaginal mesh implanted to treat pelvic organ prolapse between 2006 and 2010. Of those, over 150 of the patients suffered from complications during or after the procedure.

The study revealed that the most common problem experienced by the patients was vaginal and pelvic hematomas. Other common complications included:

• Perineal hematomas
• Bladder injuries
• Rectal damage
• Mesh erosion

Due to the severity of the complications experienced by many women who have undergone transvaginal mesh implantation surgery, lengthy continuing medical care is often needed. In one case, a woman received 18 additional surgeries following the initial implantation, but continues to suffer from severe pain.

When someone has suffered complications due to transvaginal mesh implantation, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney can ensure the injured party’s rights are protected.

Source: Injury Lawyer News, “New Study Reveals Risk Factors for Vaginal Mesh Complications,” Ava Lawson, March 27, 2013.