WHAT ARE VAGINAL MESH IMPLANTS? 
Vaginal mesh has been a topic of discussion in the news recently. Women with pelvic organ prolapse which can occur after childbirth and following hysterectomies were advised a treatment known as vaginal mesh implant. Mesh implants, more generally, are also the NHS-recommended treatment for hernias.
Mesh implants are made of a type of plastic called polypropylene and are net-like structures, often in the form of tape, ribbon and mesh. They are inserted, using keyhole or open surgery, to act as a barrier and help repair damaged or weakened tissue by forming a support for the tissue to grow over.
The problem with the implants.
NHS data suggests one in 15 women will experience problems with vaginal mesh implants, resulting in them having to have more surgery to have them removed.
Although the tape is said to be safe and effective for the majority of patients, those affected can end up incontinent, unable to walk or have sex, leading many to suffer psychological distress.
Many women were never warned about the risks relating to the procedure, or the fact that alternatives do exist such as traditional surgery using stitches or conservative treatment such as pelvic floor therapy.
Typical symptoms include:
- Pain in the surgical area
- Pain when walking or running
- Painful sex
- Pressure or pulling sensation in the vagina or pelvis
- Incontinence
- Constipation – difficulty going to the toilet
I HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The symptoms don’t always occur straight after surgery. In some cases it has been years later.
If you experience any pain or discomfort and you think it is related to the mesh surgery, you should seek medical advice as soon as you can. They will assess your symptoms and evaluate whether the mesh implant is likely to be the cause of your pain and suffering.
Recently Sky news journalist Kath Sansom has reported that “When I told my surgeon of the pain I was suffering I was ignored. He told me I must have a slipped disc”.
If you have experienced similar treatment and you are still concerned then contact one of our specialist solicitors who will give you free, no-obligation legal advice about medical negligence and your rights.
Risks Involved
From 2013 anyone being advised to have this procedure should have been made well aware of any potential risk. Many are still not fully aware and are still being offered vaginal mesh implants (TVT) without an explanation of risk. Do you feel you were not given the facts and made fully aware of complications from TVT Surgery / Implants?
- Did you receive enough information and advice at the time before and after surgery?
- Were you made aware that this was a permanent implant?
- Did you receive a a lack of attention or were you ignored when making complaints about pain and symptoms that could easily be related to TVT Implants?
You should have been made aware of the risks and complications that vaginal mesh implant surgery can cause, these include:
- Chronic untreatable pain
- Mesh erosion and breakthrough
- Operation failure
- Sexual dysfunction / painful sex
- Bladder infection & Cystitis
- Vaginal bleeding
- Potential nerve damage
- Vaginal shrinkage
- Autoimmune problems related to the implant
- Effects on ability to have children
- Increased urgency to urinate
- Blood in stools & urine
CAN I CLAIM FOR MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE?
Many people are beginning to take action against the NHS for the suffering they have experienced due to vaginal mesh implants. We understand that claiming may not be the first thing on your mind, as you should take the time to emotionally and physically recover as best as you can. However, compensation can help you get your life back on track, especially if you have suffered loss of earnings due to debilitating pain and numerous hospital visits.
Further Reading Journalist Kath Sansom was ‘wreck’ after vaginal mesh implant, NHS suggested prolapse treatments, Guardian article; Vaginal mesh review to investigate true scale of complications
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