Vaginal Mesh Prolapse Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Rise of Surgical Mesh Devices

When it comes to pelvic or vaginal prolapse, mesh devices have revolutionized the treatment.

Vaginal mesh, also known as transvaginal or pelvic mesh, is a medical device designed to provide structural support to weakened or damaged pelvic organs.

These devices are typically made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene, a plastic commonly used in medical implants.

Some surgical mesh products have also used bioabsorbable materials like pig or cow tissue.

Originally, synthetic mesh implants were used in abdominal surgeries.

Doctors adopted the use of this device for transvaginal procedures as well, as they offered a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional surgical treatment.

Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFDs)

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are a group of conditions that affect the pelvic floor, which is a sling-like structure that supports the bladder, urethra, intestines, uterus, vagina, rectum, and other pelvic organs.

These disorders usually occur as pelvic floor muscles and other connective tissues become weaker or damaged, causing pelvic organs to shift from their normal position.

Common pelvic floor disorders include:

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): A condition in which one or more pelvic organs protrude into the vaginal wall
• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activities that put pressure on the bladder
• Fecal Incontinence (FI) or Bowel Control Problems: Inability to control the elimination of waste from the anus
• Overactive Bladder (OAB): Sudden, strong urges to urinate or urinary frequency
• Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent and debilitating pain in the pelvic region

Known risk factors for developing pelvic floor disorders include:

• Age: As the pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken, older adults are more susceptible to pelvic floor disorders.
• Vaginal Birth: The physical strain of childbirth can cause damage to pelvic floor muscles. Multiple pregnancies and deliveries can increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
• Instrumental Vaginal Birth: The use of forceps or vacuum extraction during childbirth can also lead to pelvic floor damage. Fecal incontinence is a common complication of instrumental deliveries.
• Menopause: The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can weaken pelvic floor muscles, leading to stress urinary incontinence and other disorders.
• Gastrointestinal Disease: Conditions such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can put pressure on the pelvic floor and contribute to disorders.

Mesh manufacturers marketed vaginal mesh as a promising solution for pelvic floor disorders, primarily used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

As mentioned earlier, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when one or multiple pelvic organs drop or bulge into the vaginal wall or canal.

This condition can happen due to weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles and other connective tissues that typically support these organs.

There are different types of POP, depending on which organ is affected.

Different types of POP includes:

• Cystocele or Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse: The bladder drops against the vaginal wall.
• Rectocele or Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse: The rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina
• Enterocele: The small intestine drops and pushes into the top or back wall of the vagina.
• Urethrocele: The urethra sinks into the front vaginal wall.
• Uterine Prolapse: The uterus drops down into the vaginal canal.
• Vaginal Vault Prolapse: The vaginal vault, or the upper portion of the vagina, sags into the vaginal canal.

Medical providers used vaginal mesh for POP repair to provide additional support to the weakened pelvic floor.

Complications, such as vaginal mesh erosion and recurrence of prolapse, have been reported in many cases.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a type of urinary incontinence where patients experience leakage of small amounts of urine or complete loss of bladder control.

It typically occurs when physical activities put pressure on the bladder.

These activities include: 

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Laughing
• Exercising
• Bending over
• Lifting heavy objects
• Having sexual intercourse

SUI can happen when the sphincter, the muscle constricting the bladder’s opening, weakens or becomes damaged.

It can also occur due to sagging pelvic organs or damage to nerves controlling the sphincter.

Vaginal mesh provides additional support to the urethra and sphincter, reducing SUI symptoms.

Complications such as vaginal mesh exposure and erosion, nerve damage, and recurrence of incontinence became prevalent in patients who underwent mesh surgery.

Female Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

Female pelvic reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) is a medical procedure used to treat pelvic floor disorders.

The goal of the surgery is to restore normal positioning of the pelvic organs and improve bladder control.

These procedures were traditionally performed through open surgery, which involves making large incisions in the abdomen or vaginal wall.

Since female pelvic reconstructive surgery can be an invasive procedure, doctors initially believed that using a transvaginal mesh implant may reduce surgical complications and improve outcomes.

Through transvaginal mesh surgery, a significantly less invasive method, doctors inserted mesh through the vagina to support the pelvic organs and repair damage to the pelvic floor.

Many women experienced serious complications after undergoing transvaginal mesh surgery, leading to numerous transvaginal mesh lawsuits against manufacturers.

Vaginal mesh prolapse was one of the most common complications, where the synthetic mesh causes pelvic organ prolapse to recur.

Understanding Vaginal Mesh Prolapse

Vaginal mesh prolapse refers to the displacement or protrusion of the transvaginal mesh implant from its intended position, leading to the recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse.

This condition is ironic, as the original purpose of using mesh was to provide additional support and treat pelvic organ prolapse.

The mesh is designed to provide additional support and strengthen the pelvic floor, but it can worsen POP symptoms if complications occur.

Complications can include:

• Vaginal Mesh Erosion: The transvaginal mesh can move out of place or erode through the vaginal wall, causing pain, discomfort, and infection.
• Vaginal Mesh Exposure: The transvaginal mesh can protrude through the vaginal wall and become exposed, leading to pain, bleeding, and increased risk of infection.
• Vaginal Mesh Migration: In some cases, the transvaginal mesh can move from its intended position, causing discomfort and pain.
• Vaginal Mesh Failure: The transvaginal mesh can fail to provide the necessary support, causing recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
• Vaginal Mesh Contraction: The transvaginal mesh can shrink or contract over time, leading to pain and discomfort in the pelvic area.

When vaginal mesh prolapse occurs, patients may experience a variety of symptoms such as:

• Pelvic pressure
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Urinary incontinence
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Painful intercourse

Aside from recurrent prolapse, vaginal mesh can also cause the following complications:

• Nerve Damage: The transvaginal mesh can damage nerves in the pelvic area, leading to chronic pain and nerve dysfunction.
• Vaginal Bleeding: The transvaginal mesh can cause irritation and damage to surrounding tissues, leading to vaginal bleeding.
• Vaginal Scarring: The transvaginal mesh can cause scarring in the vaginal wall, leading to pain and discomfort.
• Fistula Formation: In some cases, the transvaginal mesh can create an opening between the vagina and other organs, such as the bladder or rectum, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of infection.
• Infection: The transvaginal mesh can increase the risk of contamination in the pelvic area due to irritation and damage to surrounding tissues.
• Tissue and Organ Perforation: The transvaginal mesh can puncture or damage surrounding tissues and organs, leading to serious health complications.

Surgical mesh removal may be necessary in severe cases to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage.

Affected patients must seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms or complications following transvaginal mesh surgery.

The journey of a patient dealing with vaginal mesh prolapse often comes with unimaginable challenges.

Despite undergoing corrective surgeries to remove or revise the transvaginal mesh, some victims continue to experience recurrent prolapse.

Medical Challenges Associated With Vaginal Mesh Prolapse

Treating vaginal mesh prolapse poses significant medical challenges.

Surgical removal or revision of the mesh may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and restore pelvic organ support.

However, these procedures can be complex and carry their own set of risks, including injury to surrounding tissues, nerve damage, and the potential for further complications.

Multiple revision surgeries may sometimes be necessary to address the issue entirely.

Emotional and Psychological Challenges

Even after undergoing mesh removal, some patients may experience recurrent prolapse, indicating the profound impact of this condition on long-term health outcomes.

Aside from the physical challenges of treating vaginal mesh prolapse, victims also face emotional and psychological struggles.

Dealing with chronic pain, recurrent infections, and the fear of facing additional medical procedures can take a toll on a person’s mental health, affecting their self-esteem, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life.

Many women have reported feeling isolated, depressed, and anxious after experiencing complications from transvaginal mesh surgery.

Financial Challenges

Victims may also face financial problems due to the cost of medical procedures, ongoing treatment, and time off work for recovery.

In some cases, victims may have to leave their jobs entirely due to the severity of their condition, leading to financial strain and added stress.

The staggering medical expenses put a strain on their personal relationships and cause significant stress and anxiety.

Because of these challenges, many victims have turned to legal action by filing transvaginal mesh lawsuits against manufacturers for the harm caused.

These lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to vaginal mesh prolapse complications.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits: An Overview

Several transvaginal mesh manufacturers have faced legal action from affected individuals for defective products.

Plaintiffs allege that manufacturers knew about the risks associated with transvaginal mesh but did not adequately warn patients and physicians.

They claim that manufacturers used aggressive marketing tactics, downplaying the potential complications and promoting the mesh as a safe and effective treatment.

They also highlight the 501(k) clearance process, which allows manufacturers to introduce new medical devices without conducting extensive clinical trials.

The considerable number of lawsuits has prompted the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to consolidate over 100,000 cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Plaintiffs named seven major manufacturers in the litigation, including:

• Boston Scientific Corp.
• C.R. Bard, Inc.
• American Medical Systems (AMS)
• Ethicon, Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary)
• Cook Medical Inc.
• Coloplast Corp.
• Neomedic

District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the MDL, which allowed for more efficient handling of pretrial proceedings and avoided inconsistent rulings across different courts.

He closed the MDL in November 2022 after most cases reached settlement agreements or went to trial.

He returned the remanded cases to their respective courts for individual resolution.

Some of the largest settlements and verdicts awarded in transvaginal mesh lawsuits include:

• $1.6 billion settlement against American Medical Systems (AMS) in 2013
• $200 million settlement against C.R. Bard, Inc. in 2015
• $189 million settlement against Boston Scientific Corp. in 2018
• $80.5 million verdict against Ethicon, Inc. in 2019

Although the transvaginal mesh MDL has closed, victims continue to file cases against manufacturers for the harm their products have caused.

If you or a loved one has experienced transvaginal mesh complications, consult with a transvaginal mesh lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Seeking Legal Help

Vaginal mesh prolapse is a severe complication that can have profound consequences for affected individuals.

Affected individuals must seek legal guidance from experienced vaginal mesh lawyers who understand the complexities of these cases.

At TorHoerman Law, we are committed to advocating for individuals who have been harmed by defective medical devices, including vaginal mesh implants.

Our skilled attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling complex medical-legal cases, and we are dedicated to helping our clients pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.

We offer compassionate support, personalized attention, and unwavering advocacy every step of the way.

If you wish to pursue a vaginal mesh lawsuit, we can help.

Schedule a Consultation With TorHoerman Law

If you or someone you know has suffered harm due to vaginal mesh prolapse or other vaginal mesh complications, don’t hesitate to reach out to TorHoerman Law for a confidential consultation.

Together, we can navigate the complexities of your case and work toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the transvaginal mesh lawsuit instantly.