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Vaginal Mesh and Pelvic Prolapse

| May 9, 2013 | Drug and Medical Device Litigation, Transvaginal Mesh

Many of the women who received vaginal mesh did so because of a condition known as Pelvic ProlapseSome of the women were not fully aware of non-surgical alternatives or treatments for this condition.  The FDA has information on this condition, which is excerpted in parts below.

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the tissue and muscles of the pelvic floor no longer support the pelvic organs resulting in the drop (prolapse) of the pelvic organs from their normal position.  The pelvic organs include the vagina, cervix, uterus, bladder, urethra, and rectum. The bladder is the most commonly involved organ in pelvic organ prolapse.

Supporting muscles and tissue of the pelvic floor may become torn or stretched because of labor or childbirth or may weaken with age.  Other risk factors for POP include genetic predisposition, connective tissue disorder, obesity and frequent constipation.

Many women have some degree of POP, although not all women have symptoms.  Women who have symptoms may experience pelvic discomfort or pain, pressure and other symptoms including:

  • bulge of tissue or organs that protrudes to or past the vaginal opening
  • leakage of urine (urinary incontinence)
  • sexual difficulties

It is important for women to consult with their health care provider for proper diagnosis of POP.

What are the Treatment Options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

After obtaining a detailed medical history and completing a thorough physical exam, your health care provider can recommend treatment options for your pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Non-surgical or surgical treatment usually provides significant relief, but it may not completely solve all symptoms associated with POP such as pelvic pain or pressure.

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

Examples of non-surgical treatment options for POP include:

  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: A type of exercise to strengthen the pelvic floor by contracting and relaxing the muscles that surround the opening of the urethra, vagina, and rectum. The exercises are commonly referred to as Kegels.
  • Pessary: A removable device that is inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organ(s) that have prolapsed.

SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

Not every woman with POP will need surgery.  Surgery may be recommended for women with significant discomfort or pain from POP that impairs their quality of life.  If surgery is recommended, factors to consider include:

  • which organ(s) have prolapsed
  • severity of prolapse
  • desire for future children
  • age
  • sexual activity
  • severity of symptoms

Surgery to repair POP can be done through either the vagina or abdomen, using stitches (sutures) alone or with the addition of surgical mesh.  Surgical options include restoring the normal position of the vagina, repairing the tissue around the vagina, permanently closing the vaginal canal with or without removing the uterus (colpocleiesis).

It is also possible that women with POP may experience problems with urine leakage (incontinence).  During surgery, a procedure to prevent or decrease urine leakage (which may also use surgical mesh) may be performed.

The FDA identified serious complications associated with the use of urogynecologic surgical mesh.  Detailed information on its safety and effectiveness can be found in: Urogynecologic Surgical Mesh: UPDATE ON THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF Transvaginal PLACEMENT for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Click here to read the full FDA article: Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Over 10,000 women have filed suits detailing their injuries from the mesh inserted in them. We believe that ultimately the cause of their injuries will be shown to be the defects in the mesh products and the absence of appropriate warnings.  If you would like more information, check the video below, go to our website, or contact us at 1-800-481-1615 or email us.

Complications Linked to Transvaginal Mesh After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery

[youtube=http://youtu.be/SbkMpns7G78]

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