Incorrectly used surgical mesh and gynaecological mesh claims

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Despite official advice from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) that vaginal mesh should only be used as a ‘last resort’, there have been an unfortunate amount of gynaecological and rectal mesh implant claims. Having any incorrect surgery can be devastating, and it is always important to seek the compensation that you may be able to get for your avoidable pain and discomfort.

What are gynaecological mesh claims?

Any form of gynaecological negligence can potentially be life changing for the sufferer. Because of the nature of their specialism, your gynaecologist should always take extra care during examinations and procedures and do their best to protect you from injury. There are a number of different things that can be included within gynaecological negligence. They could be failed abortions, botched hysterectomies or damage that was sustained during a cervical smear test. Gynaecological mesh claims have also been on the rise since a number of women have been unfortunate enough to have mesh incorrectly inserted.

Vaginal Mesh

Vaginal mesh is most commonly used to treat a condition called pelvic organ prolapse (POP). It can be experienced for a number of different medical reasons, although it most commonly occurs in women after they have had children or a hysterectomy. It is a result of the naturally supportive structure of the vagina and pelvic floor deteriorating. This then leads to organs such as the bladder and bowel moving from the correct position into or even outside of the vagina. A common treatment for this is the usage of Transvaginal Tape (TVT). This is permanently implanted to reinforce the weakened vaginal wall or support the urethra or bladder neck. During the procedure, doctors surgically place the mesh through the vagina or the abdomen. The mesh is now understood to have potential to break apart in the body, cutting through the vaginal wall in some cases, causing the painful ‘cheese-wire’ effect. Additionally, some of the known complications include:

  • Chronic pain, especially in the abdomen and pelvic areas;
  • Bleeding;
  • Difficulty or inability to walk;
  • Bladder perforation;
  • Bladder infection;
  • Haematoma;
  • Vaginal erosion or scarring;
  • Bowel and nerve trauma;
  • Incontinence;
  • Mesh erosion or protrusion.

If you have suffered from vaginal mesh issues, then you may be able to claim compensation for your medical injury.

Getting compensation for mesh implants

In addition to vaginal mesh implant claims, there are also situations in which rectal mesh may have been incorrectly inserted. Rectal mesh is used to treat a rectal or bowel prolapse. This is when part of your rectum (the bottom part of the large intestine) moves from its normal position and exits the body via the anus. Like with vagina mesh, you can also claim compensation for mesh implant. It is advisable to get in touch with a specialist if:

  • You feel that you didn’t receive enough information about the risks of the mesh implant prior to your surgery
  • You were not made aware that the implant would permanently be inside your body
  • You were not offered a consultation prior to the procedure, or were not given enough time prior to the procedure to consider the pros and cons
  • You were disappointed with the standard of surgery that you received
  • You sought healthcare on one or multiple occasions after your surgery, as a result of the implant, and were not dealt with appropriately
  • Your subsequent complaints were ignored by healthcare staff
  • You have had to have revision surgery to repair the damage caused by your mesh implant
  • You were not offered any other alternatives to rectal mesh implants prior to surgery

It is always important to claim compensation that you may be owed if you have suffered from any form of mesh surgery that’s gone wrong. Get in touch with a trained solicitor who can help you with your specific case.