Following the release of multiple notifications by the US Food and Drug Administration, bladder sling problems and the resultant litigation have been receiving more and more publicity. While the first FDA warning in 2008 simply acknowledged a potential for bladder sling complications, subsequent publications have increased in severity. In fact, according to a July 2011 alert, the FDA has gone as far as to say that the problems and complications resulting from transvaginal mesh sling treatment for pelvic organ prolapse are “not rare” and need to be further studied and examined.
Furthermore, the FDA has explicitly said that based on clinical evidence and medical research, transvaginal mesh slings provide no apparent benefits when compared with other non-mesh forms of treatments. While initially intended to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, bladder slings are now believed to result in a slew of problems much more debilitating and severe than the very conditions they were attempting to treat.
Bladder Sling Erosion
According to the information supplied by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the most frequently reported bladder sling problem occurring as result of surgical mesh use for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapsed is “bladder sling erosion,” or the erosion of the mesh materials of the sling through the vaginal walls. This agonizingly painful occurrence is also referred to as extrusion, protrusion, or exposure. In many cases, bladder sling erosion necessitates further invasive procedures to correct. Sometimes, even with multiple surgeries, this horrific bladder sling problem can never be fully resolved.
Bladder Sling Contraction
Another bladder sling problem that can occur following transvaginal surgical mesh treatment is called “mesh contraction,” and it takes place when the synthetic materials of the bladder sling shrink after being implanted in the body. “Mesh contraction” was unreported previous to the FDA’s July 2011 update alert. Data from medical journals states that bladder sling contraction is characterized by vaginal pain, as well as vaginal shortening and tightening. It is important to note that neither of these bladder sling problems (erosion or contraction) have been linked to one specific brand or product, so all of these products and procedures should be viewed with caution.
Symptoms of Bladder Sling Problems
In only the last three years, the FDA has received more than one thousand reports in regard to complications resulting from the use of mesh bladder sling treatment. Because many incidents are never reported, the actual number is likely much higher. Commonly reported symptoms of these bladder sling problems and complications include:
- Vaginal Pain and Scarring
- Bleeding (Due to perforation of bladder, bowel, and even blood vessels)
- Pelvic Pain
- Chronic Vaginal Discharge
- Infection
- Reoccurrence of Stress Urinary Incontinence or Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Neuro-Muscular Problems
- Perineal Cellulitis
- Emotional Problems
Talk to a Bladder Sling Lawyer
If you or someone you know has suffered any of the injuries listed above following bladder sling treatment, you may have a legal right to monetary compensation. Call the Willis Law Firm today in order to have your potential claim evaluated free of charge and completely confidentially. We are currently accepting bladder sling lawsuits nation-wide. Help us hold the makers of these negligent and defective devices responsible for the damage that they cause.
