In 2009, research was published in The Journal of Urology demonstrating that there is considerable increased risk for infection associated with the use of transvaginal mesh (TVM). Transvaginal mesh is a synthetic substitute for human tissue, usually made of either polypropylene or silicone that is used in the repair of damaged organ walls as a result of pelvic organ prolapse.
This research was conducted by Caroline Elmer et al., and data for this project was collected by analyzing the number of macrophages found on or near transvaginal mesh. Macrophages are cells part of the body’s immune system, eating and digesting foreign particles or bacteria to clean the bloodstream. So, the more macrophages found at a certain cite in the body, the more bacteria that are likely to be present as well. For more information about macrophages and the immune system, follow the link above.
Studying ten patients who used polypropylene transvaginal mesh and comparing the macrophage count to eight control subjects, Elmer et al. found “a significant postoperative increase in macrophage and mast cell counts,”[1] and concluded that “When used for pelvic reconstructive surgery, macroporous monofilament polypropylene mesh induces a mild but persistent foreign body reaction.”[2]
Due to the small size of this study, more data must be collected on this topic before definite conclusions may be made. Other studies published about the same time, however, also link use of transvaginal mesh and increased risk of bacterial infection, and it must not be overlooked that the Elmer et al. study illuminates a serious complication of transvaginal mesh use and helps to point future research in a potentially fruitful direction.
As a result of the well-documented high risk for vaginal mesh erosion associated with transvaginal mesh use, and the high number of adverse events reported to the FDA, a number of transvaginal mesh lawsuits are currently being filed.
If you or a loved one used transvaginal mesh and experienced transvaginal mesh erosion or mesh-related infection, please do not hesitate to contact our team of transvaginal mesh lawyers for a free case consultation.
By phone, you may reach our offices at (855) 452-5529, and by e-mail, you may reach our offices at justinian@dangerousdrugs.us. Our firm has the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help!
Our Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have additional questions about Transvaginal Mesh.