“It’s a device of torture. In the 21st century, if they were using torture to extract things, they could use mesh”.
“My husband has turned into my carer. We can’t have sex”.
“I am permanently disabled. I have no control over my bowel or bladder, so I am just terrified”.
These were just some of the harrowing comments articulated by victims on BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire Show in April 2017[1].
Each of the women invited onto the morning TV show to discuss their experiences of vaginal mesh surgery spoke about the agony they had suffered and in some cases, continue to suffer, as a direct result of their operation.Around 800 women, whose surgical mesh implants have caused life-changing complications and chronic pain are to bring a landmark group action under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 against the NHS and the relevant manufacturers[2]. In addition, a report on vaginal mesh implants has strongly recommended a series of improvements to the support and communication between patients and doctors over the devices.
What are vaginal mesh implants?
Vaginal mesh implants are used to ease incontinence and to support organs such as the vagina, uterus, bowel, bladder, or urethra which have prolapsed after childbirth. It is made from synthetic polypropylene, the same material used to make certain drinks bottles. More than 126,000 British women have had vaginal mesh surgery.
Although mesh implants seem to work successfully in other parts of the body, there is an increased risk of complications when they are used in the abdomen.
Complications resulting from vaginal mesh surgery include:
- severe abdominal and vaginal pain
- pain during sexual intercourse
- difficulty walking
- infections
- bleeding
- urinary and faecal incontinence
- mesh slicing through organs and intestines
- post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression
One woman told the Guardian that she suffered such agony following her implant surgery that “My kids don’t remember the mum from three and a half years ago. I don’t do the things I used to do,” she said. “I can categorically say, if I didn’t have my children I wouldn’t be here today.”
Another stated that she had been admitted to the Priory Clinic after becoming suicidal due to ongoing complications brought about by the procedure.
Unpublished research by Sohier Elneil, a consultant urogynaecologist at University College Hospital and her team have found the readmission rates for urinary incontinence surgery is around 8.9%, with most patients requiring further procedures. Furthermore, a recent study in the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, referenced the high readmission rate for mesh surgery used to treat prolapse.
The problem is not confined to the UK. Several class actions have been launched against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh around the world including Australia and America.
Claiming compensation for a vaginal mesh implant
If you have suffered complications from a vaginal mesh implant, you may be able to claim compensation. You need to prove the complications were caused because of negligence by an NHS Trust, private clinic, or the manufacturer of the product.
At Nalders Solicitors, we offer no win, no fee arrangements (also known as conditional fee arrangements) to victims of botched vaginal mesh surgery. No win, no fee means that if your claim for compensation is unsuccessful, you will not pay any legal fees (although you may have to pay disbursements). Our clinical negligence team can also advise you on ‘After the Event’ insurance which may protect you against adverse cost orders.
Final words
Compensation claims arising from transvaginal mesh implants could go on for many years as for some complications may not emerge immediately following surgery.
By seeking compensation you can ensure you receive the full treatment you require to repair the damage and undergo rehabilitation, leading to the best recovery possible.
Our personal injury team can assist you in a confidential, sensitive manner, supporting and empowering you throughout the process.
Nalders Solicitors is one of the oldest and most respected law firms in Cornwall. We have eight offices across the county and provide legal advice and representation in almost all areas of law. Nalders has one of the biggest clinical negligence teams based solely in Cornwall.
If you have any questions about medical negligence compensation claims, please call us in confidence on 01726 879333.
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p050dksp
[2] https://login.westlaw.co.uk/maf/wluk/app/document?&srguid=i0ad629030000015e90bcc0a81e58365c&docguid=I40D688F0710B11E7A379C7A039C64BC2&rank=6&spos=6&epos=6&td=29&crumb-action=append&context=24&resolvein=true