What is Trans-Vaginal Mesh?

Trans-Vaginal Surgical mesh is a permanently implanted synthetic mesh. It used to strengthen the deteriorated vaginal wall to restore pelvic organ prolapse. In the case of urinary incontinence, it is used to support the urethra.¹

Prolapse occurs where there has been movement or sinking of an organ within the body, displacing it from its usual or proper position.

In women, the condition can be exaggerated to the point where a pelvic organ has slipped and enters the vagina, or extends beyond the vaginal opening.

This mesh is permanent. It is designed to support a prolapsed organ and return it to its original location, where the body may have lost its ability to hold the organ, due to stretched or weakened muscles.

Indications for use of Trans-vaginal mesh are to treat the prolapse of bladder, the uterus, the top of the vagina (vaginal apex) the rectum, and the bowel.

Does it work?

Johnson and Johnson’s Ethicon division has stopped distribution of this product.² However, there are many other companies that produce and distribute trans-vaginal mesh. Although the FDA has issued warnings regarding this product, it has yet to declare a recall or ban.

Initially, the FDA thought complications were rare. In an update issued by the FDA on July 13, 2011, the agency reversed its 2008 report stating that complications were rare, and declared the product to have a high rate of adverse reactions.^3/sup>

The FDA, after reviewing published scientific research from 1996 to 2011, also discovered that mesh repairs of pelvic prolapses frequently do not fix the symptoms of prolapse or improve the patient’s quality of life over non-mesh repairs.⁴

Unlike abdominal mesh, or use of the product in other parts of the body, trans-vaginal mesh is more susceptible to abrasion, typically due to intercourse.

What are the complications that have been reported?

Trans-vaginal mesh erosion happens when the coarse edges of the synthetic mesh nicks or punctures through the vaginal lining and nearby organs.⁵

In some cases, the organ will prolapse again, resulting in additional surgery.

Vaginal scarring, severe pain, organ perforation, and neuromuscular problems have been reported as a result of the defective mesh.

There are many pending lawsuits regarding Trans-vaginal mesh. In the first case to go to trial, the plaintiff was awarded 5.5 million dollars in damages.⁶

Serious consideration should be gotten prior to accepting this recommendation from your surgeon.
Learn everything you can about Trans-Vaginal Mesh before you schedule surgery.

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¹ http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm262435.htm
² http://www.transvaginalmesh.co/
³ http://www.medpagetoday.com/OBGYN/GeneralOBGYN/27530
⁴ http://www.drugwatch.com/transvaginal-mesh/
⁵ http://www.drugwatch.com/transvaginal-mesh/
⁶ http://www.transvaginalmesh.co/