If you have suffered as a result of TVT mesh? We can help you seek rightful compensation.
What is TVT Mesh
TVT Mesh is used to to treat stress incontinence. This is the involuntary release of urine during activities that put pressure on your bladder, such as coughing or laughing. The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure is designed to provide support for a sagging urethra so that when you cough or move, the urethra can remain closed with no accidental release of urine.
In TVT surgery, a mesh tape is placed under your urethra like a sling or hammock to keep it in its normal position. The tape is inserted through tiny incisions in your abdomen and vaginal wall. The tape stays in place permanently and shrinks when it adheres to the tissue.
Some women suffer from prolapse and require surgery. There are a number of types of materials used to perform this operation including a womens own tissue. The Mesh procedure is reserved for women who have had a previous failed vaginal prolapse surgery and need repeat surgery. The mesh operation is called a sacral colpopexy and is most often performed through an abdominal incision. However, recent innovations now allow this procedure to be performed laparoscopically by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Laparoscopic pelvic reconstructive surgery can be used to repair bladder prolapse, uterine prolapse (with or without hysterectomy), vaginal prolapse and enteroceles.
There are many new TVT/TOT Mesh kits on the market. Some involve the placement of the same nylon-like mesh in the TVT between the bladder and the vagina and the rectum and the vagina to reinforce the repair. There is no long term information on these techniques yet they are being given to ladies without adequate explanation as to the risks and complications. Many ladies are not offered the alternative procedures and therefore have inadequate consent.
As these materials are permanent it is important to understand the long term complications which may include mesh erosion into the vagina, bladder or rectum, painful intercourse, constant pain, infection or bleeding. Read the FDA view here and the MHRA view here
What can go wrong?
With any operation there is a risk of complications and the following complications can occur with a TVT Mesh: 
• Mesh protrusion or erosion
• Pain
• Mesh contraction and shrinkage
• Organ perforation and injury
• Inflammatory foreign body reaction
• Bleeding and scarring
• Infection
• Painful sexual intercourse or inability to have intercourse
• Urinary problems and Incontinence
• Recurrent prolapse
• Mobility problems
• Psychological injury
• Bladder perforation – During the operation the needles which are used to make sure the mesh is positioned correctly may accidentally pierce the bladder.
• Passing urine frequently – The TVT operation is unlikely to cure symptoms of passing urine frequently and needing to rush to the toilet with urgency. If you have these symptoms as well as stress incontinence you need to be aware that these symptoms are likely to continue and may be made worse by surgery.
Why is it negligent?
If you have not been properly informed about the risk of complication, the alternatives to TVT Mesh surgery and had an opportunity to consider what that means to you, then you may be able to claim compensation as your treatment was negligently carried out.
What to do if you suspect it has gone wrong?
• Keep a diary and include:
- as much information as possible about the TVT Mesh surgery,
- what you were told would happen,
- what has happened,
- what problems you have,
- how many pads you use,
- where the pain is,
- who helps you around the house,
- your medical appointments and
- what the outcome of those appointments was.
If you try to have your mesh removed make sure that the surgeon photographs everything they take out of you. It is excellent evidence of what state the mesh is in and how much is removed, for as we know, you cannot remove it all.
Always seek medical advice. You must make sure that you get the right treatment, tell all Doctors that you have TVT Mesh to avoid unnecessary investigations for infections or pain etc, and ensure that all of the problems you have are recorded in the notes.
Finally, keep all letters, leaflets, guidance notes. Make a note of the risks as they are explained to you and date it. Always attend medical examinations with a friend or relative as two heads are better than one.Don’t be afraid to take notes or ask the Doctor to write down in note form what he has told you.
What can I claim for?
If you are a victim of negligent TVT Mesh surgery or mesh erosion, you can claim compensation for the physical injuries and psychological damage.
We also claim for
- your lost earnings,
- painkillers,
- incontinence pads
- underwear,
- travel costs,
- extra washing costs,
- disadvantage on the open labour market or future loss of earnings,
- private physiotherapy or surgery
- the cost of having a family member care for you and help in the home.
What to do NOW?
If you suspect that you are suffering as a result of a TVT mesh then it is important to seek specialist legal advice. Our team at Handley Law offers free initial advice with Dr Victoria Handley either by phone 0845 676 9228, email vhandley@handleylaw.co.uk. Feel free to call in to discuss the details of your problem in confidence.
We deal with ALL of our cases on a no win no fee basis so it will not cost you to investigate your claim. Compensation starts at £10,000 for injuries of this nature and if you have been forced you to give up work, they are considerably higher. So don’t delay, call today.