Patients with pelvic organ prolapse opt for vaginal mesh implantation not only because it immediately puts an end to the embarrassing symptoms they acquire from pelvic organ prolapse, but most importantly because doctors recommend its use.
The number of women who acquired health problems after receiving vaginal mesh treatment seem to be constantly growing lately, health journals say. This is also the reason for the recent increase in filed vaginal mesh lawsuits like the Ethicon bellwether trials set for November.
Patients with pelvic organ prolapse opt for vaginal mesh implantation not only because it immediately puts an end to the embarrassing symptoms they acquire from pelvic organ prolapse, but most importantly because doctors recommend its use. Some doctors incorporate incontinence precautions by surgically placing a synthetic sling to support the urethra while the prolapse procedure is being carried out. Other urogynecology experts, however, believe that this procedure is not necessary. Dr. Kovac says in an international conference related to vaginal surgery and pelvic reconstruction that prophylactic sling attachment during prolapse procedure still lacks clinical support in terms of effectiveness and safety, and it still has to be thoroughly examined before they are given as treatment option for patients.
Other surgeons reported that most of their patients who received vaginal mesh treatment had developed incontinence as a result of the procedure. According to them, patients will most likely develop incontinence as time pass, and if a sling is not in place, the patient may need to undergo another corrective surgery. Performing the sling support during the prolapse procedure is necessary for some doctors, because they want to make sure the prolapse treatment they gave their patients are not put in jeopardy.
Most patients may benefit by this treatment approach; but, of course, it also has its drawbacks. Based on a study, complications like bladder punctures, internal bleeding episodes, urinary tract infections, and insufficient bladder emptying (urinary retention) are seen as consequences of sling procedures.
Urine retention is not really a serious complication, but in the long run, it may cause kidney failure. This must be the reason for some experts to believe that placement of slings even without incontinence symptoms needs to be entirely avoided. Until now, it is still uncertain whether the placement of artificial slings as incontinence precaution is safe and effective enough for the patient. There are some doctors who performed this procedure almost in a habitual manner to all of their patients who opted for prolapse surgery; but there are also others who are not practicing it, and only perform sling placements when incontinence is really evident.
Some doctors believe that it is their patient’s right to know about the prophylactic sling treatment first before it is given to them. This way, doctors keep their patients abreast with all the possible side effects that may present themselves after the procedure. Because of the unwavering increase of mesh complaints and vaginal mesh lawsuit filed by mesh recipients, there certainly is a need for prolapse patients to review information on vaginal mesh first.
Hip Fractures Common in Women with Prolapse
Doctors point out the need for regular physical evaluation in women, specifically to find out about their pelvic muscle strength and bone density. They need it more when they age 50 and over.
Pelvic Examination: Enough to Diagnose Presence of Prolapse?
You should know that there are series of tests that your doctor will perform to diagnose prolapse, and the first thing that you should be prepared about is the over-all assessment of your pelvic organs.
Effects of Pelvic Organ Prolapse to the Elderly
Pelvic organ prolapse conditions are treated through the surgical implantation of a vaginal mesh device for several years now, medical publications report.
