FDA Warns About Injuries from Surgical Mesh

A type of surgical mesh used in procedures for the treatment of severe incontinence, cases of prolapsed uterus, and other women’s health problems has been linked to serious, but rare, complications, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Since 2005, more than 1,000 reports of injuries have been received regarding several types of surgical mesh used to repair pelvic organ prolapsed and stress urinary incontinence. The mesh, inserted into the vagina, can cause infection, pain including during sexual intercourse, and urinary problems, officials said.

A pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the bladder, bowel, or rectum pushes against the walls of the vagina. Muscles that hold pelvic organs in place may become weakened or stretched by childbirth or surgery, allowing them to move out of place.

Stress urinary incontinence is a type of incontinence caused by leakage of urine during moments of physical stress.

Some patients who used surgical mesh in their surgeries have had to undergo repeated procedures to remove the mesh from their bodies. Nine different manufacturers of the surgical mesh have been identified in the complaints, officials said.

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