Recently (2012) an article published in Obstetrics and Gynecology has reviewed the frequency with which complications surrounding surgery occur as well as how often reoperation is required following “prolapse repairs using mesh and biologic grafts.”[1]

By analyzing “all female members of [the healthcare provider] Kaiser Permanente Southern and Northern California and Hawaii who underwent sling procedures or pelvic organ prolapse surgeries using implanted grafts or mesh between September 1, 2008, and May 31, 2010,”[2] the Nguyen et al. (2012) team was able to secure 4,142 test subjects whose mean age was 57, and who in all underwent “3,747 slings and 1,508 prolapse repair procedures using implanted prostheses,”[3] such as transvaginal mesh.  Transvaginal mesh can be made of several substances, most commonly polypropylene or silicone.  Recently, it has been documented that silicone mesh causes vaginal mesh erosion more than 20% of the time, and that polypropylene transvaginal mesh causes vaginal mesh erosion more than 10% of the time.

While this study found that mesh erosion occurred less frequently in this group of people, the authors still stated that “Reoperations for mesh-related complications occured most often after transvaginal mesh placement in the anterior vagina,”[4] a common site for the use of transvaginal mesh in the repair of pelvic organ prolapse.

Due to the fact that several manufacturers of transvaginal mesh have failed to adequately warn doctors and patients of the risks associated with transvaginal mesh, a number of transvaginal mesh lawsuits are currently being filed.  If you used transvaginal mesh and experienced a mesh-related infection, vaginal mesh erosion, or another transvaginal mesh side effect, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the injuries you have sustained through no fault of your own.  For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our team of vaginal mesh lawyers.

For a free, no-obligation case consultation, you may contact our offices by phone at (855) 452-5529 or by e-mail at justinian@dangerousdrugs.us.  Call today and see how we can help!


[1] Nguyen, JN et al. “Perioperative Complications and Reoperations After Incontinence and Prolapse Surgeries Using Prosthetic Implants” Obstetrics and Gynecology Vol. 119, No. 3. March 2012. 539-46

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.