Surgical mesh is often used to treat conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, where the vaginal wall is weakened. In these cases, mesh is permanently implanted to provide support. While many mesh implants are successful, a rising number of failures have led people to file lawsuits seeking compensation for complications.
**Common Symptoms of Mesh Failure**
Four common signs that mesh implants have failed include:
1. Unusual bleeding
2. Chronic infections
3. Atypical discharge
4. New or worsened urinary incontinence
**Is Hernia Repair Possible Without Mesh?**
Yes, it is. Doctors can perform laparoscopic surgery with or without using mesh. This procedure involves making a small incision near the hernia and repairing the muscle. An open repair can also be done using sutures alone, without any mesh.
**Legal Remedies for Medical Failures**
Despite ongoing lawsuits, many doctors strongly believe surgical mesh is useful. However, that’s not always the case for everyone. Take Chrissy Brajcic, for example. She was a vibrant woman with two boys and a growing interior design business. After getting a mesh implant to treat stress urinary incontinence, she became bedridden and eventually passed away. Her story gained international attention and raised serious concerns about the safety of plastic mesh.
Chrissy began experiencing urinary incontinence after giving birth to her second child. She said the surgical procedure was presented as simple, but she felt something was wrong almost immediately after her surgery. Her pain worsened over time, feeling like her insides were being ripped apart. After a year-long search, she finally found a doctor who could remove the mesh in a grueling five-hour surgery, but her pain persisted. Sadly, she passed away before her family could pursue a lawsuit.
In the United States, more than 100,000 mesh-related lawsuits have been filed against companies like CR Bard and Johnson & Johnson. Mesh, introduced in the 1990s, was marketed as a quick, easy solution to pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where pelvic muscles become weak. The procedure could be done in under an hour, with patients going home the same day. However, in 2008, the FDA issued a warning about possible complications, including pain, tissue erosion, and infections.
**Hernia Mesh Issues**
Hernia mesh is used in roughly 100,000 surgeries each year and has become standard practice. Yet, Dr. John Morrison has seen cases where the hernia mesh causes severe issues, including erosion into tissues and the spermatic cord. For example, 26-year-old Keith Richter experienced intense pain after his mesh implant, making it impossible to play hockey or skateboard, activities he loves. He eventually had his implant removed and joined a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturer.
**The Takeaway**
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published guidelines indicating there is not enough evidence to confirm the safety of laparoscopic mesh procedures for organ prolapse.
In summary, while surgical mesh remains a popular medical tool, it’s important to consider the potential risks and complications. Always consult your healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment options for your specific condition.