A new report from the U.K. reveals that women who underwent mesh surgery were not given accurate information before their procedure.
The Transvaginal Mesh Case Record Review, conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University’s Professor Alison Britton, spent two years reviewing the cases of 18 women who received transvaginal mesh implants. Over the course of 24 months, the study examined over 40,000 pages of records and concluded that a series of recommendations should be made, including better aftercare following surgery and clear language so patients understand exactly what surgery will achieve.
A summary of the report, published by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), found that medical notes were “often misleading or did not detail the surgery that had occurred or its outcomes.”
Transvaginal mesh is a medical device that is usually made of synthetic plastics that are implanted in the body of a patient to support their organs. Transvaginal mesh is intended to prevent pelvic organ prolapse and urinary stress incontinence.
These recommendations are intended to provide clearer communication since the study found that poor communication between patients and doctors led to mistrust overall.
In addition to making recommendations for medical professionals, Professor Britton has also voiced support for a comprehensive register to maintain information about women who have had operations to remove their transvaginal mesh through public services in Scotland, private services, and foreign services. This register will be vital to improving communication and final outcomes.
Professor Britton spoke to BBC Scotland, saying, "Some women are going to America, or going elsewhere for private surgery. Very often it's not only revision surgery to remove medical mesh devices, it can be other sorts of surgery like cosmetic surgery.” Professor Britton notes that if doctors don’t know what procedures women have had, it will be difficult to manage the resources necessary to support women in the future.
If you or a loved one have been injured by defective transvaginal mesh, leading to complex revision surgeries and other health complications, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Fill out a free case review with MedTruth to see if your case qualifies.