Several studies have been conducted, evaluating the effectiveness of transvaginal mesh (TVM) usage in treating damaged vaginal tissues.  Initial studies primarily focused on the anatomical success of TVM, with less emphasis on functional outcome.  Dr. Salil Khandwala conducted a study titled “Transvaginal Mesh Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: One-Year Outcome Analysis,” published in the journal of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (www.fpmrs.net).  “The primary objective of this study was to assess success based on both subjective and objective criteria at 1 year after the PP-PG vaginal mesh surgery for genital organ prolapse.  The secondary objectives were to assess complications and also the impact of surgery on urinary incontinence, vaginal healing, and sexual function.”  In this study ‘objective criteria’ refers to anatomical success, as in whether or not the mesh is physically performing it’s intended use.  While ‘subjective criteria’ focused more on the patient’s satisfaction, as in any pain or discomfort after intervention.

This study analyzed data from 157 total participants treated with TVM for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) including 5 anterior, 48 posterior, and 104 total mesh procedures.  After the initial procedure, 44 subjects experienced only stage II prolapse, while 91 subjects had stage III prolapse, and 22 were treated for stage IV prolapse.

The data appeared to show that TVM may in fact be reliable in treating POP, and similar conditions.  The author states, “This prospective cohort study provides evidence that the PP-PG transvaginal mesh procedure results in improvement in both function and anatomy at 1 year in subjects with pelvic organ prolapse.”  It was reported that patients experienced improvement of vaginal bulge perception, with no cases of mesh retraction in this study.  While patients experienced different stages of prolapse, ultimately none showed greater than stage IV recurrence, which contradicts previous studies suggesting that stage III or IV prolapses occur in up to 75% of TVM procedures.

This study suggests that PP-PG transvaginal mesh surgery is both safe and effective, however the study is limited. For example, this study did not examine long term effects, as it was limited to only a 12 month follow up.

While some studies such as this show transvaginal mesh is safe, many other studies purport that TVM use is dangerous or highlight complications of vaginal mesh.  Regardless, many women suffer unpredicted side effects of the use of transvaginal mesh, and because of this, transvaginal mesh lawsuits have been filed around the world in great number.

If you or a loved one used transvaginal mesh and would like more information about TVM or vaginal mesh lawsuits, please do not hesitate to contact our team of vaginal mesh lawyers at the information provided below.

(855) 452-5529

justinian@dangerousdrugs.us

Our Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about Transvaginal Mesh.