Transvaginal Mesh Defects: Shrinkage, Degradation, Retraction, & Loss of Elasticity

The transvaginal mesh seemed like a quick and somewhat easy fix to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Many women were told that the net-like mesh would be implanted near the vaginal wall to support the pelvic organs and provide relief. However, rather than relief, some women ended up suffering from complications far worse than the problems the mesh was supposed to fix.

Mesh Erosion and Degradation

A number of complications are associated with vaginal mesh implants, including vaginal shrinkage or shortening, degrading of the mesh itself, the retraction of the anterior and posterior mesh, and pelvic muscles and tissues that can lose elasticity and weaken over time. Erosion and/or degradation of the mesh through the vagina wall is the most common and consistently reported mesh-related complication and, unfortunately, removal of the mesh via another surgical procedure is the only remedy for this complication. The removal surgery often becomes necessary, sometimes life-saving, because the synthetic mesh could degrade into the vagina, bladder, or bowels. The patient is left with more complications, along with the original pelvic floor issues.

Mesh Shrinkage

Originally, vaginal shrinkage mesh problems were not reported in the safety bulletin, but recently this side effect has come to light in the transvaginal mesh community. In summary, vaginal shrinkage mesh problems occur when the synthetic mesh product begins to actually shrink and pulls the tissue that it is stitched to with it. When transvaginal mesh is implanted, the mesh is attached to the muscles of the pelvic floor. When the mesh product contracts, the surrounding muscles and tissues are forced to contract. Shrinking mesh causes an assortment of problems, including actual shrinking or shortening of the vaginal cavity and vaginal pain.

Loss of Elasticity

Many physicians concur that synthetic mesh should be earmarked for patients who have had numerous failures with traditional repairs, and additionally those patients should not be sexually active. The amount of sexual activity weighs heavily in this decision-making process because the synthetic mesh can cause a loss of elasticity in the vagina, which then results in pain during sexual intercourse (also known as “dyspareunia”). The surgeon must utilize the most minimal amount of synthetic mesh material to cover as small an area as possible. When this mesh is mistakenly used in anterior and posterior compartments, a patient is at high risk of mesh contraction, vaginal shrinkage, and rigidity.

If you have suffered shrinkage, degradation, retraction, and/or loss of elasticity due to transvaginal mesh implantation or related surgeries or procedures, you should contact an attorney who specializes in transvaginal mesh litigation right away. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any out-of-pocket expenses.

Case Studies: Transvaginal Mesh Defects

Case Study 1: Mesh Erosion and Degradation

Sarah, a 45-year-old woman, underwent transvaginal mesh implantation to address pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The procedure was expected to provide relief and support to her pelvic organs. However, a few months after the surgery, Sarah started experiencing severe discomfort and pain in her pelvic region.

Upon further examination, it was discovered that the synthetic mesh had eroded and degraded through the vaginal wall. The degraded mesh had caused damage to Sarah’s bladder and bowels, leading to persistent urinary and digestive problems. To address the complications, Sarah required a surgical removal of the degraded mesh, which posed additional risks and challenges.

Sarah consulted an attorney specializing in transvaginal mesh litigation. She pursued legal action against the manufacturer of the mesh, seeking compensation for her medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Case Study 2: Mesh Shrinkage

Emily, a 38-year-old woman, underwent transvaginal mesh implantation to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The procedure was expected to provide support to her pelvic floor muscles and alleviate her symptoms. However, a few weeks after the surgery, Emily started experiencing discomfort and noticed a significant decrease in the size of her vaginal cavity.

Upon further examination, it was determined that the synthetic mesh had shrunk, causing the surrounding tissues to contract. This resulted in a shortened vaginal cavity and persistent vaginal pain for Emily. The shrinkage of the mesh affected her quality of life and her ability to engage in sexual intercourse.

Emily sought legal assistance from a transvaginal mesh litigation attorney. She pursued a legal claim against the manufacturer of the mesh, seeking compensation for the physical and emotional pain she experienced, as well as the impact on her sexual life and overall well-being.

Case Study 3: Loss of Elasticity

Lisa, a 50-year-old woman, had previously undergone multiple failed traditional repairs for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Her physician recommended transvaginal mesh implantation as a last resort. Despite being sexually active, Lisa agreed to the procedure, hoping for a resolution to her pelvic floor issues.

Post-surgery, Lisa noticed a significant loss of elasticity in her vaginal tissues, leading to pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). The synthetic mesh used in the procedure had caused the vaginal tissues to become rigid and less flexible, impacting Lisa’s sexual well-being and causing emotional distress.

Lisa consulted with a transvaginal mesh litigation specialist to explore her legal options. She initiated a lawsuit against the healthcare provider, alleging inadequate patient selection and improper use of the synthetic mesh, which resulted in the loss of vaginal elasticity and the subsequent sexual pain she experienced.