Surgical mesh is a product made of animal tissue or synthetic materials. The most common animal tissues used are intestines or skin from cows and pigs. The tissue undergoes disinfection and processing.
Synthetic mesh is made from a variety of chemical compounds including polypropylene. Some of the compounds in synthetic surgical mesh may be absorbed by the body, but there is usually a permanent element that remains to provide support. Mesh that is placed in the vaginal to treat prolapse is permanent.
Mesh can be knitted or non-knitted, and it usually has a porous surface. The type of mesh used depends on where it will be placed and what it’s intended to do. For example, does it have to withstand pressure from organs and be flexible so it does not cause irritation when moving?
According to a study published by the Royal College of Surgeons “Polypropylene meshes are durable and have a low infection risk but they have little flexibility and a high adhesion risk.” Adhesions are a type of internal scar tissue, where fibrous bands develop between tissues, and in the case of mesh, to the implanted material itself. These fibrous bands impact the normal movement and positioning of the internal organs which can lead to irritation, pain and further complications.
How is Mesh Used in the Vagina?
There are several urogynecologic procedures which use surgical mesh. These include treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Mesh is permanently implanted to strengthen the walls of the vagina which often were stretched or damaged during child birth. Mesh also supports the bladder neck in an attempt to hold the bladder in the correct position. The three primary types of urogynecologic surgeries using mesh are:
- A sling that treats stress urinary incontinence
- Placement of mesh through the abdomen to repair POP
- Placement of mesh through the vaginal tissues to repair POP
The risks and benefits of each of these surgeries vary greatly. The risks of mesh which is inserted using an abdominal approach are fewer than the transvaginal approach to placing mesh.
It is important that women make an informed decision about receiving mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse. The FDA has released numerous warnings in 2008, 2011 and again in 2014. Each warning heightens the concerns about transvaginal mesh, warns surgeons to be cautious when placing mesh and vigilant in tracking patients who receive mesh.
Life Care Solution after Mesh
Women experiencing complications after receiving mesh which was used to treat POP or SUI report the need for multiple surgeries, reduced quality of life, an inability to complete daily activities, a loss of income due to an inability to work, depression and hopelessness. As a trusted TVM attorney Dr. Greg Vigna takes a whole body approach to his clients. Every element of long term recovery is included in a lawsuit against the manufacturer including the need for multiple surgeries, lost income and psycho-social consequences.
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