HYDERABAD: The mesh that is inserted to control urinary incontenience among women has led to erosion, vaginal scarring fistula formation, painful sex and pain in the pelvic region, back and legs, experts said at the International Uro-gynaecology Conference held at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences.
Recordings in medical journals have shown a large number of such incidences because of which the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reclassified transvaginal mesh as a high-risk device.
Dr Anuradha Koduri, senior uro-gynecologist, said severe complications in women who had the mesh implanted were rare.
However, the number of women who have complained of adverse effects is very high.
“Such were the numbers that in 2019 the surgical mesh production for incontinence and abdominal use was completely stopped by companies,” Dr Koduri said.
Three pharmaceutical companies are now fighting a major class action suit for selling faulty pelvic mesh and causing debilitating pain. There are more than 1 lakh cases in the West and doctors have become very
careful about implanting the mesh in India.
Women who have undergone this procedure in the past but not suffered from any adverse effects or complications do not have to worry.
Dr B.R. Raju, a urologist, explained, “Some women might experience a late vaginal mesh exposure or erosion. There can be abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain and they must see a doctor.”
Doctors state that awareness is the only way in which they can reach out to patients.
The mesh is a device which was a part of the treatment process.
Although it has undergone trials, the final outcomes are known only after largescale use. Since it has resulted in adverse effects it has been decided to stop the production which will lead to stop its use.
