What To Know About The Transvaginal Mesh Implant

By Carmella Watts


A transvaginal mesh implant is made from a surgical mesh. This may feature materials that are porous synthetic or biological. Typically these medical structures are employed as a way to repair weakened or damaged tissue, usually because of stress urinary incontinence or POP, pelvic organ prolapse.

Around 50 percent of women will have some kind of prolapse during their life. However, just a small portion of these women will have to have surgery to fix issues caused by it. Mesh is also used to elevate the neck of a bladder to fix problems with urinary incontinence, which are typical when a woman coughs, jumps, laughs or sneezes.

There are positives and negatives to these meshes. One of the main problems associated with the structure, and other such medical devices, is the lack of safety regulation done by the FDA. Once these units have been installed, they are hard to remove. In some cases, it is impossible to remove the devices because they permeate in the nearby tissues.

Women who have had this implanted have reported issues. Some of the most common problems associated with this device, when used for the repair of prolapse include: protrusion or erosion of mesh, pain, infections, bleeding, damage to surrounding organs, and urinary tract problems. Some less severe complications that have been reported: urinary incontinence and constipation.

Many of the potential complications can be extremely dangerous. To reverse these effects, more than one surgery may be necessary. Such revision procedures are most effective when done as soon as possible, especially within a few years of placement.

The 1990s is when these were first being used as treatment for repairs of the vagina. They were through to be an effective and permanent solution for problems of prolapse and incontinence. These issues were common in women of older age, particularly those who had experience menopause or had a hysterectomy. The mesh was used successfully for hernia repair but had never been tested out on vaginal repairs.

Around the same time that these were first introduced, they were already being recalled. Numerous lawsuits and recalls took place in the years following their introduction. The FDA did a review of the product in 2011, to assess its dangers and risks. After this was done, the device was kept on the market, but the FDA agreed to do more rigid testing of the devices. Many companies chose to do perform their own long-term studies to check the effects and complications of these structures. Others wanted to avoid the bad reputation or knew the high risks associated with the device and stopped manufacturing them. Many lawsuits were filed by patients who had suffered serious reactions from the mesh.

Transvaginal mesh implant is the medical device that has been around since the 1990s and is used for treatment of prolapse and incontinence. Since this time, the structures has had its share of ups and downs. In fact, many lawsuits and recalls have been issued for these structures. Because there are high risks and potential complications linked to the use of these devices, individuals are urged to speak with their physician to see if this is a treatment option for them. There may be alternatives with lower risks. Individuals must understand that the results and complications will be different for every person.




About the Author: