Vaginal mesh in pelvic floor reconstruction has become more and more popular, and this is partially due to the high failure rates associated with older methods. In an article titled “Rising Use of Synthetic Mesh in Transvaginal Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery: A Review of the Risk of Vaginal Erosion”, written by the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, at The University of Genova, in Genova Italy, author Emanuela Mistrangelo claims, “Recently, the use of surgical mesh in pelvic floor surgery has become increasingly popular. While the reduction of surgical failure rates in vaginal reconstructive surgery is of critical importance, the addition of graft materials must be shown to improve anatomical outcomes and at least maintain, if not improve, lower urinary tract, bowel, and sexual function, as well as quality of life for the patient.
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Synthetic materials still have several disadvantages including vaginal erosion. Several factors contribute to the wide range of vaginal erosion rates, including patient characteristics such as age and estrogen deficiency; operative technique; implant size; and the specific properties of the graft material, such as pore size, stiffness, elasticity, and basic tissue compatibility. It is the aim of this article to present a critical review of the risk of vaginal erosion with use of synthetic grafts during vaginal reconstructive surgery.”
The use of synthetic prostheses have been used since the late 19th century, and the use of prosthetic materials for gynecologic surgery has been seen since the 1980’s. Ulmsten and Petros were the two primarily responsible for the use of synthetic tape. Synthetic slings have become increasingly popular in the management of urinary incontinence.
Mistrangelo further explains, “ Synthetic materials obviate the need for harvesting autologous tissues and are associated with high success rates, but they have several disadvantages such as risk of infection and vaginal-urethral erosion/extrusion. Several factors contribute to the wide range of erosion/extrusion rates, including operative technique, implant size, and the specific properties of the sling material, such as pore size, stiffness, elasticity, and basic tissue compatibility. Understanding the classification, mechanical properties, and host-graft interaction for synthetic prostheses is essential for the rational choice of material for prolapse and incontinence surgery.”
The authors also note that many studies have shown that about 50 percent of women around the age of 70 will need some sort of correctional surgery regarding POP, and while some studies have shown a decreased failure rate with the newer methods to treat organ prolapse, there are significant risks involved with any type of treatment, and all surgery carries inherent risk.
Due to the fact that many TVM manufacturers have failed to notify women of the risk for TVM complications, vaginal mesh lawsuits have been filed around the world in great number. If you or a loved one used TVM and experienced a TVM complication, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injury from the manufacturer of your TVM product by means of a TVM lawsuit.
For more information or a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of transvaginal mesh lawyers at the information provided below.
(855) 452-5529
Our Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about Transvaginal Mesh.