Number of Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits Continues to Rise

Bellwether trials are already underway against some transvaginal mesh manufacturers—including C.R. Bard Inc., Ethicon and Johnson & Johnson—as the number of lawsuits nationwide related to vaginal mesh complications continues to grow.

In one early transvaginal mesh case against C.R. Bard, an attorney accused the medical device manufacturer of concealing the risks of known product flaws from physicians and their patients. In the same trial, a C.R. Bard executive admitted the vaginal mesh product in question was never tested in humans.

Lawsuits stemming from transvaginal mesh complications have swelled into the tens of thousands, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to log reports of painful side-effects linked to transvaginal mesh products. Evidence indicates that transvaginal mesh, which is intended to support the pelvic organs in the surgical correction of POP or SUI, is prone to moving and hardening within the body after placement.

This can lead to complications including:

• Infection
• Internal bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Perforation of organs
• Urinary problems

Complications from failed transvaginal mesh devices often require surgical treatment. For additional information on defective medical products, please see our Dangerous Drugs and Medical Devices page.