Following a review which looked at the harm suffered by women who received vaginal mesh implants for stress urinary incontinence, the BBC has reported that NHS England have put in place an immediate suspension to this form of procedure due to safety concerns.
The Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review examined tens of thousands of cases where women were given the mesh implant treatment. According to Baroness Julia Cumberlege, who chaired the review, she was “appalled at the seriousness and scale of the tragic stories” of which she and the review panel heard.
The review said that some of the women who received this form of treatment sustained life altering injuries as a result, and called for NHS England to suspend the use of the vaginal mesh implants until at least March 2019, when hopefully a set of conditions could be put into place.
What Are Vaginal Mesh Implants?
A mesh operation is a treatment used to support organ prolapse and incontinence, generally after childbirth. It is estimated that around 1,500 implants were performed every year by the NHS to act as a support for the virginal wall, bladder, bowel, uterus or urethra.
The meshes are made of polypropylene, the same material used to manufacture certain drinks bottles and plastic chairs. The plastic is known to erode and disintegrate. There have been reported instances where the plastic has sliced through organs and vaginal walls. As a result, patients have been left unable to walk and suffered chronic pain, infections and loss of sex drive.
Whilst NHS England are suspending this form of treatment they have said that mesh implants would still remain a form of treatment as a final resort in certain circumstances. Prof Dame Sally Davies, England’s Chief Medical Officer, commented that: “Carefully selected patients will continue to have access in discussion with their consultant.”
We previously reported in April 2017, that over 800 women were taking legal action against the NHS and several manufacturers over the mesh implants, which had been described as ‘barbaric’ by some patients.
How Can Nelsons Help?
Carolle White
is an Associate & Chartered Legal Executive in Nelsons’ Medical Negligence team.
If you have been affected by the points raised in this blog, then please contact Carolle or another member of the team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
Our team prides itself on our friendly and professional service and we are always happy to discuss queries over the phone, via email or where appropriate at a meeting.