Pelvic mesh, also known as transvaginal mesh, is mesh that is surgically placed for the treatment of women’s gynecological and urogynecological issues such as pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. Pelvic mesh is made of synthetic material, usually polypropylene, and is made of porous or micro porous weave. Some products even claim to have a “biologic element” made of a collagen blend.Surgical mesh has been used in gynecology since the 1990′s. By using the FDA’s 510(k) expedited approval process, the mesh industry would produce dozens of these products each year without having to prove the safety or efficacy of these devices. In 2004, the industry began producing “pelvic organ prolapse kits” under the premise that these products were a safe and effective alternative to proven traditional surgical techniques.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse is the downward descent of the pelvic organs, usually after childbirth. Statistics show that pelvic organ prolapse affects approximately 50% of women who have given birth. Many treatments are available to treat pelvic organ prolapse, including surgical repair. Traditional surgical repairs are available to physicians and surgeons, either through Colporrhaphy (use of native tissue and sutures) or Sacrocolpopexy (laparoscopic surgery). Since the inception of mesh prolapse kits in 2004, doctors have increasingly turned to pelvic mesh over traditional surgery due to the false premise created by the mesh industry that mesh is a better alternative. In 2010, it is estimated that 100,000 pelvic organ prolapse procedures were performed using pelvic mesh.

In July 2011, the FDA issued heightened warnings regarding the use of transvaginal mesh for the repair of pelvic organ prolapse. Three months later, in September, 2011, an FDA panel recommended that pelvic organ prolapse mesh be reclassified to prevent any more clearance of these products through the 510(k) expedited clearance process.

In July 2011, the FDA issued heightened warnings regarding the use of transvaginal mesh for the repair of pelvic organ prolapse. Three months later, in September, 2011, an FDA panel recommended that pelvic organ prolapse mesh be reclassified to prevent any more clearance of these products through the 510(k) expedited clearance process.

Surgical or Pelvic Mesh Implant lawsuits are being reviewed  for women who have experienced:

• Infection
• Vaginal Pain
• Urinary Problems
• Pelvic Pain
• Erosion of the mesh into the vagina
• Hardening of the vaginal mesh
• Injury to nearby organs
• Difficulty during sex

BRAND NAMES of Mesh Implants that many patients have reported problems with consist of:

• Boston Schientific
• Caldera
• Sofradium
• Tyco
• Ethicon
• Gynecare Prolift
• C.R. Bard Avaulta
• Johnson & Johnson
• American Medical Systems
• Mentor Corporation

Other possible Surgical or Pelvic Mesh Implant side Effects include:

• Pain
• Erosion through vaginal epithelium
• Recurrence of prolapse and/or incontinence
• Bowel, bladder, and blood vessel perforation
• Dyspareunia