PBS Documentary Highlights Transvaginal Mesh Case
Recently, PBS ran a documentary in the series “Need To Know” calling into question the effectiveness of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) medical device evaluation process. The documentary highlighted the case of a South Dakota nurse who had an implanted Johnson & Johnson’s Gynecare Prolift mesh device to treat her prolapsed pelvic organ.
The woman was also recently awarded more than $11 million in compensatory and punitive damages after a New Jersey jury found that Ethicon, the J&J unit responsible for the manufacture and distribution of the Prolift, had failed to adequately warn about health risks.
Although the woman was a nurse, she was skeptical about the relatively new transvaginal mesh procedure. She stated that she was assured that the implantation was “minimally invasive” and that if there were any complications the mesh could be easily removed.
Almost immediately after her surgery, her body rejected the mesh and she began to experience complications and pain. She claims that she has had 22 revision surgeries to try to remove the mesh, and, “it has to be cut out like bubble gum in your hair.”
The mesh is still not completely removed. She states that the complications have been devastating. Her losses include giving up her job, suffering from an inactive lifestyle, and losing the ability to be intimate with her husband.
Her case was the first to go to trial out of the estimated 4,000 lawsuits that have been filed against Ethicon and Johnson & Johnson. There are some 10,000 lawsuits that have been filed against other mesh manufacturers, as well.
If you are interested in seeing the complete PBS “Need To Know” documentary, please click here.
Have you suffered from complications and injuries due to a transvaginal mesh procedure? The Jacksonville medical product liability attorneys at Farah & Farah can review your case and explain your legal options. Our knowledgeable and experienced legal team can be reached online — or call us (800) 533-3555 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
