Many women undergo transvaginal mesh implantation surgery to relieve pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms. However, too many of these women end up suffering from device injuries and complications. From bladder perforations to erosion and bleeding, the risks associated with transvaginal mesh are high. Women with POP don’t need transvaginal mesh for relief. One Cleveland Clinic study found two effective transvaginal mesh alternatives for treating POP. These POP surgeries share similar adverse event rates, and both are more successful than transvaginal mesh. When compared to prior research on TVM complications, both surgeries may be better options for POP patients.
Transvaginal Mesh Alternatives Present Solid Results
According to MedPageToday, Cleveland Clinic researchers examined success rates for two common TVM surgeries: sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) and uterosacral ligament suspension (ULS).
SSLF is “a technique that secures the upper vaginal vault to the sacrospinous ligament, effectively restoring support to the vaginal wall and correcting prolapse,” according to Boston Scientific. It tends to have strong long-term success rates. Further, certain devices make the technique less invasive than others.
ULS is a process of “passing sutures bilaterally through the uterosacral ligaments near the level of the ischial spine” to support the vagina, according to OBG Management. The procedure’s advantageous for POP patients because it’s cleaner than other techniques and provides good support.
Researchers collected data from women two years after their surgeries, discovering comparable success and complication rates. SSLF was successful 60.5% of the time, while ULS succeeded 59.2% of the time. SSLF had a 16.7% adverse event rate, while ULS had 16.5%.
Dr. Matthew Barber, professor of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University and vice chair of clinical research in the OB/Gyn and Women’s Health Institute, told MedPageToday the study “provides a benchmark for which other surgical procedures in this area can be compared.”
TVM Poses Significantly Higher Risks Than Transvaginal Mesh Alternatives
When compared against previous transvaginal mesh findings, the study highlights SSLF and ULS are often alternatives for women with POP who do not want to undergo transvaginal mesh surgery. Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine, according to The Legal Examiner, found transvaginal mesh has a high risk of being defective. The POP option has a 7x higher risk of bladder perforation and double the risk of urinary incontinence.
What You Can Do
If you or a loved one have suffered TVM injuries, you may be eligible for payment from the manufacturer. Get a free TVM case evaluation and learn more about the transvaginal mesh lawsuit to see if you may qualify.