Transvaginal Mesh has taken the FDA by storm. Since 2005 there has been an average of 500,000 surgeries per year in an effort to solve organ “dropping” along with other natural complications in feminine bodily functions. The first transvaginal mesh was introduced using biological materials from human and bovine tissues in the late 1990’s. The introduction to plastic materials came to the FDA for approval in the early 2000’s. There are several leading manufacturers that are under lawsuit regarding this dangerous surgical procedure riddled with risky materials. First, we must acknowledge the source of materials, who is making the plastic that we entrust our bodies to? Second, we will look at the facts about the products, their risks, and the developers. Lastly, we will form solutions to aid those who are suffering from a transvaginal mesh case.
Johnson & Johnson is undergoing thousands of lawsuits especially under their subsidiary company, Ethicon for their negligence involved with transvaginal mesh. Ethicon provided hospitals and doctors with transvaginal mesh ‘kits’ which were created and marketed as a convenient way to quickly implant the mesh. Johnson and Johnson marketed their kits without the approval of the FDA in 2005; the FDA scolded Johnson and Johnson but later approved their marketing puns in 2008. The company was the top producer of non-biological mesh kits amongst a $150 billion developing plastic industry. The profits soared as they created these kits using a form of plastic called, Polypropylene. Polypropylene is a specific form of plastic invented in 1954 which has been reproduced in various forms to be used in a wide variety of industries such as packaging, diapers, air filters, roofing materials, and medical devices. Polypropylene is recyclable and is known for its resilient flexibility under stressful conditions. Unfortunately, this plastic material has very little supportive safety testing for humans. The results have been devastating. Currently the top manufacturers (Ethicon, Boston Scientific, American Medical Systems, Coloplast) are being sued by an undisclosed amount of victims. By looking at the general synopsis we can speculate that the total lawsuits filed against these companies are well over the hundreds of thousands. In March of this year the Danish manufacturer, Coloplast settled 400 lawsuits with a total of $16 million. In May the manufacturer, American Medical Systems reached agreements with over 20,000 lawsuits with a mass claim of $830 million. Worldwide the market of mesh implants is clearly failing people.
If you or a loved one have been effected by this dangerous mesh implant please call the FDA immediately to report any complications at 1-800-FDA-1088. The effects are painful and long-term when a transvaginal mesh kit has been implanted. The best thing you can do for your family is protect yourself with a knowledgeable attorney who will fight for your rights to good health and longevity.
