Complications During Vaginal Sling Implantation
The medical devices known as vaginal meshes, slings, and other supplies designed for its efficient application have all been scrutinized by the people in the wake of mounting consumer complaints. Driven by the goal to put an end to this problem, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enumerated treatments for vaginal mesh failure.
Aside from the most common complications, including mesh erosion and infections that may appear within one year after surgery, there are also possible risks that may arise during the course of the operation. One of these is the perforation of the bladder. Because of the surgeon’s limited view during the operation, there is a great tendency for the bladder to get punctured by the needle while the surgeon is stitching. Usually, the part of the bladder that is away from the doctor’s view while the stitching is done is mostly affected.Patients who have had subsequent vaginal operations are also at risk for this type of complication. Emptying the bladder prior to the operation and lodging a urinary catheter in place reduce the occurrence of this problem. Doctors should also keep a steady hand in maneuvering the needle while stitching.
Bleeding is another type of negative incidence that may happen while the positioning of the synthetic sling is done.This problem may emerge during the first cuts to the vaginal wall or the suturing of the sling. Ligating the sutures may be indicated, depending on the severity of the bleeding. In cases of profuse bleeding, the vaginal wall should be stitched back and a sterile gauze pack will be pressed into the vagina for a few hours to prevent further blood flow. If needed, blood transfusion may be done.
These two complications, which may worsen, should be recognized immediately to maintain the safety of the patient and her fast recovery.According to the clinical findings on post-surgical complications, unrecognized perforation of the bladder have led some patients to developingerosion of the mesh. Erosion of the mesh may be gravely dangerous, especially if there is a need to remove the mesh from the body, since there is a possibility for the body tissues surrounding it to be removed together with the mesh. Stripping the mesh device from the body would also mean removing some of the tissues attached in to it.
Synthetic slings and meshes are the modern therapies for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). To date, a considerable number of recipients have benefited from the use of these devices.But, there are still those who were not spared of its risks.While physicians still believe that these devices are by far the best treatment choices for SUI and POP, marketers facedvaginal mesh lawsuit day after day.
References:
http://www.laborie.com/articles/complications-of-synthetic-mid-urethral-slings
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm262435.htm
http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/news/20110713/fda-surgical-mesh-for-pelvic-prolapse-risky-unnecessary
