Mar 11 2009
Severe Complications with Surgical Mesh for Gynecological Surgeries
The FDA is warning the public and healthcare professionals about the serious complications that has been associated with the use of surgical mesh used for urinary stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. The mesh is placed transvaginally in a minimally invasive procedure.
Over the past few years the FDA has received approximately 1,000 reports of complications. According to the founder of the ICN Network, these complications include:
- erosion of the mesh through the vaginal epithelium
- pain
- infection
- recurrence of incontinence
- recurrence of prolapse
- urinary problems
- bowel, bladder, & blood vessel perforation during insertion
- vaginal scarring that led to decrease in quality of life due to pain
To treat the complications, IV therapy was used, blood transfusions, draining abscesses, and other surgical procedures needed to remove the mesh.
For more information, click the link below:
FDA MedWatch Safety Alert. Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh. October 21, 2008.
