Vaginal Mesh Implant (TVT) Claims

A transvaginal mesh implant is a net-like medical device used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence; simply put, it is designed to strengthen a weakened vaginal wall or support the bladder neck. Although these implants have been used by medical professionals in the UK for years, there have been a number of complaints as a result of complications within the body after a vaginal mesh implant. If you have suffered complications after a TVT Surgery, you may be entitled to a medical negligence claim.

There have now been calls for vaginal mesh ban in the UK; it has been flagged high risk, as many women have suffered severe, life-changing injuries and complications after the procedure. At Medical Negligence Direct, we work with a panel of medical negligence solicitors who are well aware of the complications associated with TVT operation. Some victims of the procedure are not adequately informed of the side effects of TVT surgery, while others are not told of less invasive options, like physiotherapy.

Complications of Vaginal Mesh Implant 

Vaginal mesh issues include:

• Pain in the pelvic area
• Vaginal erosion
• Mesh erosion
• Mobility issues
• Perforation of the bladder
• Infection of the bladder
• Sexual problems
• Bleeding
• Haematoma

If you have suffered damage to your urethra, bowels or bladder following a TVT surgery, these are likely due to TVT problems. In this case, you may need the help of TVT mesh removal surgeons UK to remove the mesh, even if this is a complex procedure.

Do I Have a Claim for TVT Surgery Complications?

According to the NICE guidelines, a health professional must first provide conservative treatments, such as medication or non-invasive procedures, before resorting to surgery. Conservative treatments include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Bladder exercise
• Pelvic floor muscle exercise
• Vaginal cones
• Adjustments to fluid intake
• Reduction of caffeine intake
• Biofeedback
• Use of incontinence products such as hand-held urinals, catheter and incontinence pants
• Medication for nocturia, stress incontinence or urge incontinence

If your healthcare provider has not explored this range of procedures before resorting to TVT surgery and you have suffered an injury as a result, you may be entitled to a medical negligence claim.

Other grounds that can make for a vaginal mesh compensation claim include:

Defective TVT Mesh or TVT tape

Considering the number of women who suffer serious complications after a TVT mesh sling, it is clear that there are unsafe TVT devices that are not suitable for purpose. If this has been used during your surgery, you may be entitled to a mesh implant compensation claim.

Some experts believe that manufacturers do not disclose all relevant information before the approval of their mesh implant devices for use in the NHS. This may cause greater problems in the long run, and create grounds for NHS clinical negligence claims.

Surgical Mistakes

There are many ways in which surgeons can act negligently. While every surgery will always carry risks, a surgeon must prioritize patient safety by ensuring inherent risks are minimized. If a surgeon fails to fit the transvaginal tape or mesh properly, or if there has been damage to surrounding tissues, the victim may be entitled to a medical negligence claim.

According to the NICE guidelines, a TVT operation should only be carried out by surgeons who are specialists in a particular field. Despite this clear guide, some surgeons without the proper skill-set and expertise may still carry out TVT surgeries, increasing the risk of complications. Other surgical errors include:

• Retained surgical item in patient’s body
• Wrongful siting of mesh
• Cutting nerves or muscles during operation
• Organ perforation – Between 2008 and 2010, reports to the FDA showed that 5.8% of TVT surgery complications involved organ perforation which may result in difficulty breathing and infection. In this case, surgery will likely be necessary, and may involve bowel resection, colostomy, mesh removal and blood transfusion.

Inadequate Advice About Risks or Alternatives

The guidelines also state that patients must be able to provide clear consent as regards medical care procedure. If your health professional does not provide adequate advice, informing you of the risks of the procedure, and you suffer an injury as a result, you may be able to make a mesh implant compensation claim.

NICE guidelines also advice that assessment and management of patients who need a vaginal mesh implant should be done by an experienced multidisciplinary team. If your procedure was not handled in this manner and you have a vaginal mesh implant where there were more suitable alternatives, you may be entitled to a claim for compensation.

What Can I Claim for in a Vaginal Mesh Implant Case?

Compensation for vaginal mesh issues due to medical negligence can help to put the victim back in the position they would have been but for the negligent treatment. Sadly, some women suffer irreversible damage due to TVT mesh; in cases like these, there are a number of damages you can claim.

You can claim damages for:

• Pain, suffering and loss of amenity – if TVT surgery complications has resulted in physical incapacity and/or impaired sexual function, you can make a claim.
• Care and assistance – whether this is provided by a loved one or a professional.
• Financial losses – if you are unable to work due to TVT problems, you can make a claim. You may also make claims for potential future earnings if the injury will impact your ability to work in the long run.
• Out of pocket expenses – This includes cost of travel for medical appointments and remedial surgery. If you have incurred out of pocket expenses as a result of vaginal mesh implant complications, it is important that you keep these receipts so they can be included in your claim.

Making Vaginal Mesh Implant Claims

TVT mesh implant can have life-changing and sometimes permanent damage on the life of a victim. If you have suffered problems following a TVT surgery, the panel of specialist solicitors we work with can fight to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

At Medical Negligence Direct, our mission is simple – to combine our knowledge and experience in the area of medical negligence to fight for justice for those who have suffered as a result of negligent treatment. If you are experiencing discomfort after a TVT surgery, the first thing you should do is seek medical advice immediately. The next step is to contact our specialist the best medical negligence solicitors. The medical expert’s assessment will help us when providing the legal support you need to make a claim.

Whether you were treated at an NHS facility or a private hospital, our specialist solicitors will help you make a claim for compensation.

Is there a Time Limit for Making a Vaginal Mesh Implant Claim?

Yes. There is a general three-year time limit for making any type of clinical negligence claim, including claims for vaginal mesh implant. The three years begin to run from the date you became aware that your injury was a result of misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment. Get in touch with us as soon as possible so you can find out whether you can make a claim.

Free, No Obligation Consultation with Our Specialist Solicitors

We offer a free, no obligation initial consultation for those who are considering making a medical negligence claim in the UK. We believe in justice for those who have been mistreated; with TVT surgery complications leaving many women with life-long and even irreversible injuries, pursuing a claim is the path to justice.

No Win No Fee Vaginal Mesh Implant Negligence Claims

The idea of making medical negligence claims can be daunting, especially when it is a sensitive matter like vaginal mesh negligence. At Medical Negligence Direct, we not only offer expert legal support, but offer to work with you on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you do not have to worry about paying upfront legal fees. You also do not have to pay any fees is the case is unsuccessful.

Why Choose Us?

Your health professional may have let you down, but we won’t. We appreciate the sensitive nature of this nature of injuries, and promise to maintain the confidentiality it requires. Get in touch with us today to find out whether you have valid grounds for a compensation claim.

Call us on 0800 644 4240 or fill in our claims assessment form and one of our medical negligence solicitors will give you a call at your convenience. There is no need to fight the battle on your own; we are on your side and will do everything to help you secure justice.