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You’ve probably seen ads calling for people who have experienced negative side effects of surgical meshes, due to how widespread and impactful this injury became. These meshes are usually implanted in the abdomen or pelvis and often lead to long-term complications.
What is Surgical Mesh?
One way to strengthen weakened or damaged muscles is to implant surgical mesh in the body. These meshes are usually made out of animal tissue or synthetic materials. The ones made out of animal tissue absorb into your body over time, but the synthetic ones are considered permanent implants. Doctors have said that trying to remove these meshes once they’re implanted is like trying to cut gum out of hair. These meshes are used primarily to repair hernias in the abdomen and as vaginal support in women. When used for vaginal support, extreme side effects are far more common.
Transvaginal Mesh
Mesh is used in surgeries for women who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or who have issues with bladder control. POP is a syndrome that occurs after childbirth or menopause, in which the pelvic muscles weaken and allow organs like the bladder to descend closer to the vagina. This causes a lot of discomfort for the patient. In both instances, the mesh is meant to support the tender muscles of the pelvis and make them stronger. However, such delicate tissues do not seem to take well to meshes. Erosion or breakdown of tissues surrounding the mesh is the most common side effect reported. Not only does the mesh cause extreme pain, infections that occur as a side effect of a mesh can be life-threatening. Synthetic meshes also sometimes poke holes in nearby organs like the bladder.
Abdominal Mesh
While transvaginal meshes have gotten a lot of media attention recently, abdominal meshes used to repair hernias can present just as many complications. The muscles of the abdomen are denser and better equipped to fuse with a mesh, but infection is still a major cause for concern. Meshes can also migrate or shrink over time, causing pain and potentially reopening the patient’s hernia. Other long-term side effects that can be caused by abdominal meshes are scar tissue buildup and bowel obstruction.
The medical malpractice attorneys at CFLB want to help you get what you need to move forward in life with peace of mind. From fighting for you in court to helping you plan for every new challenge you may face, we’re your advocates. If you have been the victim of an undisclosed side effect of a medical product and believe you have a case, contact us today for a free consultation.