The Food and Drug Administration plans to hold a subcommittee meeting to discuss "the safety and effectiveness of transvaginal surgical mesh for repair of pelvic organ prolapse" this week on September 8 and 9. This meeting comes at a time when consumer groups are calling for the widespread recall of surgical mesh due to severe complications.
Tranvaginal surgical mesh is used to treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse, a condition that occurs when the support in the vagina is lost which results in the dropping of the bladder, urethra and other pelvic organs. Vaginal mesh has also been used to treat Stress Urinary Incontinence, a condition that occurs due to weakening of the pelvic area muscles and causes short bouts of incontinence.
The FDA first warned of serious complications from transvaginal surgical mesh in October of 2008. It warned of erosion through vaginal epithelium--the wearing away of the thin lining covering the vaginal wall. Surgical mesh has also been linked to infection, pain, urinary problems, bowel, bladder or blood vessel perforations.
Check back for additional information following the FDA's meeting. If you wish to further discuss complications or the potential for future complications caused by transvaginal surgical mesh, you may call or e-mail Jones Ward, PLC attorney Corey Ann Finn for a confidential consultation. She may be reached at (502) 882-6000 or corey@jonesward.com.
