Can Pelvic Mesh Cause Problems Years Later?

Have you been advised by a doctor to undergo pelvic mesh surgery, and you’re wondering whether it will cause problems in the future? There are several factors to consider, so it’s important to learn more about the process.

However, if you’ve already gone ahead with the surgery and you are experiencing side effects or require surgery to repair problems caused by transvaginal mesh, then it is best to reach out to a pelvic mesh attorney.

What Is a Surgical Mesh?

This is a screen-like material used to reinforce bones or tissues. Surgical mesh is a type of medical device that is commonly utilized for treating two conditions that affect women: pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). POP happens when the pelvic organ of the woman shifts downward and produces out of the vagina. This condition typically happens when the pelvic floor tissues and muscles are too weak to hold the organs in place.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a medical condition in which the pelvic organs, including the uterus, bladder, rectum, urethra, and vagina, may shift downward and protrude from the vaginal opening. This condition is more common in women who have weakened pelvic floor muscles and tissues, which are responsible for holding the pelvic organs in their proper positions. Among all the pelvic organs, the bladder is most commonly affected by pelvic organ prolapse, which is medically referred to as cystocele.

In case you are wondering, some of the factors that can increase the chance of these conditions include aging, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a type of urinary incontinence that occurs when there is an increase in pressure on the abdomen. This can be caused by certain activities such as laughing, sneezing, coughing, or exercise. Like pelvic organ prolapse, risk factors for SUI include aging, pregnancy, and childbirth, which can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and increase the likelihood of experiencing this condition.

Common Hernia Mesh Devices

A pelvic mesh typically comes in two types—Animal-Derived Mesh and Synthetic Mesh.

Synthetic Mesh Material

This can be non-absorbable or absorbable. The difference between these two is that one can be absorbed inside the body and degraded, while the other can’t be absorbed or degraded.

Typically, non-absorbable mesh is meant to stay in place permanently. While the absorbable mesh is put in place to aid and support the growth of stronger scar tissue.

Animal-Derived Mesh

This is the most common option of the two types. These types of mess are obtained from cows or pigs and are absorbable. Once harvested from these animals, they are disinfected and processed.

Complications Associated With Surgical Mesh Devices For Pelvic Organ Prolapse And Stress Urinary Incontinence Repair

Recurrence of Hernias

A hernia is a condition where one or more internal organs protrude through a hole in the wall. When the mesh is improperly placed, it can entrap tissue or nerves and lead to hernias and chronic pain.

Other common causes of hernia recurrence include defective mesh manufacturing, a too-small or too-large hernia, recurrent abdominal infections, or bowel obstruction. The risk of recurrence can be reduced by making sure the procedure is handled by a professional and experienced surgeon from the get-go.

Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common nosocomial infection among surgical patients. You may start to notice the symptoms of (SSIs) between 5 to 10 days after the operation. These symptoms are more systemic and have a tendency to develop over time. They can cause problems with organ function, dysfunctional urethra, and muscle pain. SSIs are typically treated by drainage of the abscess, chemical cautery of the granulation tissue, and parenteral antibiotics.

Chronic Pain

For pelvic mesh surgery, the most common complication reported is new onset pain. This pain is usually located in the pelvis or leg but can also occur in the groin or hip. Although most patients with this complication recover, up to a quarter of them never do.

Fluid Collections

A perirectal abscess is a rare side effect of having surgical mesh placed in your pelvis for urinary incontinence. It is a serious complication associated with the use of mesh.

Some of the symptoms associated with Perirectal abscess include leaking, pus, or pain. And the severity of each symptom depends a lot on the amount of fluid that is trapped in the abdominal wall.

Regardless of the cause of your complication, you will need to have the fluid removed.

Mesh Erosion

If the mesh is damaged, it can become embedded in the surrounding tissues and may be difficult to remove through minimally invasive procedures.

Mesh erosion typically occurs when the mesh material rubs against adjacent soft tissues, leading to wear and tie. In some rare cases, the mesh becomes completely eroded into the bladder, urethra, or rectum.

Common Damages Recovered for Hernia Mesh Victims

Every year, hundreds of defective pelvic mesh victims get paid millions of dollars. The common damages recovered are:

Noneconomic Damages

Emotional suffering and physical pain are examples of noneconomic damages. Usually, a jury will evaluate the loss and injuries to determine the extent before deciding on a fair sum of money to award.

Economic Damages

These damages usually cover all expenses associated with the injury. This includes things like hospital bills and lost wages. Generally, any traceable monetary loss associated with the medical condition may be recoverable if handled by the right lawyer.

So if you’ve suffered any form of complication after your pelvic mesh surgery, it is only right that you file a claim. To do this, you will need a dedicated attorney who is experienced in medical malpractice laws.

Factors to Consider Before Hiring A Pelvic Mesh Attorney

Experience

Medical malpractice lawsuits are always complex and involve a lot of technicalities. As such, you need an attorney that understands these technicalities thoroughly.

Importantly, you need to make sure the lawyer you hire doesn’t just have general experience handling medical malpractice cases. They need to have handled cases similar to yours with excellent outcomes. You could ask them to provide you with proof of this if needed.

Location

Each state in the US has specific laws governing its people. For instance, the statute of limitation on personal injury cases in Texas is two years. While in New York, it is three years. This is why you need to make sure the lawyer you are hiring is local. This way, you can rest assured that they are familiar with the laws of the state.

Communication

Effective communication with your attorney is key when you are going through a case. Being able to reach your lawyer when you need them could help you avoid making mistakes that could affect your case. One of the ways to find out if a lawyer is an effective communicator is to set up a consultation with them. Through the consultation, you should be able to determine if their communication methods and style are good enough for you. You should also check how fast they respond to any question you ask. If they take a long to answer you when you are still a potential customer, the chances are high that they will treat you worse after you’ve signed up with them.

Cost

It is quite important to consider the cost of hiring a pelvic mesh lawyer before going ahead with the process. Although most injury lawyers charge based on contingency, i.e., they don’t get paid until you win the case. Some of them take money upfront. So it would be best if you found out from your potential lawyer how they charge their clients.

Questions to Ask Potential Pelvic Mesh Lawyers

• Do you mostly represent defendants or plaintiffs? If you are a defendant, you need a lawyer who has experience representing people like yourself. This is because a different strategy is needed for both. So if your lawyer lacks the experience needed for the side you fall, you may be doing yourself a great disservice.
• Would you be handling my case personally, or will it be passed along to another lawyer— perhaps a less experienced attorney in the office? While it’s normal for multiple lawyers to work on a single car, especially when it is a complicated one. Only one lawyer does have the primary responsibility of the case. So you need to find out if the lawyer you are speaking to is the one responsible for your case. And if they will be the one, you will be dealing with directly.
• How long have you been practicing, and what percentage of your cases cover medical malpractice, particularly pelvic mesh failure?

Importantly, before finally agreeing to hire a lawyer, you need to consider every practicality and special need you may have. For example, if you are a non-English speaker or your English speaking skill is limited, you may want to consider an attorney that speaks the language you understand the most. Also, if you will be visiting the lawyer’s office a lot throughout your case, it is best to deal with a lawyer close to your home address. This way, you won’t be spending a lot transporting yourself to and from the lawyers’ office.