Transvaginal Mesh Terminology and Timeline

Best Lawyer Best Law Firms U.S. News & World Report Rankings Badge
Legally Reviewed By
Michael E. Pierce

Anterior Repair – performed to correct cystocele and generally involves creating an opening in the layers between the vagina and bladder and placing sutures to reinforce the tissues.

Cystocele – condition in which the fibrous wall between a woman’s bladder and vagina (pubocervical fascia) is torn. There are varying grades: grade 1- mild and when the bladder droops only a short way into vagina, grade 2- bladder sinks far enough to reach the opening of the vagina, grade 2- bladder bulges through opening of the vagina

Enterocele (small bowel prolapse) – occurs when the intestine bulges into the vagina. Enterocele can occur from the front, back or top.

Erosion – the destruction or degradation of tissue by inflammation, irritation or ulceration.

Pelvic Floor – the pelvic floor is a group of muscles that forms a sling or hammock across the opening of the woman’s pelvis and keep all the pelvic organs in place.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse – condition in which muscles (see above can be between bladder and vagina or rectum) stretches and weakened pelvic muscles cause bladder and urethra to fall from their normal position pushing against vaginal wall.

Posterior repair – performed to correct rectocele and generally involves creating an opening in the vagina and tissue layers under the skin and is reinforced with strong sutures to prevent bulging.

Procidentia (uterine prolapse) – occurs when muscles and ligaments are weakened and the woman still has a uterus, the uterus can descend into vagina.

Rectocele – condition in which fibrous wall separating the rectum from the vagina becomes weakened. A small rectocele may not cause any symptoms. However, a large rectocele can cause a noticeable bulge in the vaginal opening.

Stress Urinary Incontinence – weakened pelvic muscles allow urethra to involuntary leak urine

Transvaginal Mesh – Transvaginal mesh is a type of woven surgical mesh, generally made of polypropylene, inserted through the vagina for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (“SUI”) or Pelvic Organ Prolapse (“POP”).

Urinary Tract Infection (“UTI”) – an infection of one or more of the structures of the urinary system, e.g. urethra, ureter or bladder.

Vaginal Sling – the sling often made of polypropylene creates a hammock to prevent the urethra from involuntarily leaking urine.

Vaginal Vault Prolapse – occurs when the upper portion of the vagina (apex) falls towards the vaginal opening. This may cause the walls of the vagina to weaken. Commonly occurs after a hysterectomy.

NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN

Do I Have a Case?

Chat with our legal team for fast, reliable answers. 

Trusted help is just a click away.
GET A free consultation
1970

OBGYNs begin using mesh for pelvic organ prolapse.

1990

OBGYNs begin using mesh for stress urinary incontinence.

11/15/1996

FDA approves Boston Scientifc ProtenGen device by 510k route. The evidence presented by Boston Scientific was based on a 3 month rat study.

1/28/1998

Johnson & Johnson introducest TVT sling for stress urinary incontinence and the FDA approves it as substantially similar to Boston Scientific's ProteGen.

1/22/1999

Boston Scientific recalls ProteGen stating that it did not meet the "company's standard of performance."

10/20/2008

FDA issues a Public Health Notification stating that these are serious complications associated with the use of transvaginal mesh based on reports from 2005 - 2007.

  • FDA's MAUDE datebase reports 2,874 adverse events. 1,503 were for pelvic organ prolapse and 1,371 were for stress urinary incontinence.
  • FDA releases an alert regarding the safety risks associated with vaginal mesh and POP repair may pose risks to patients.
  • FDA Advisory panel states that mesh used for POP should be changes from moderate risk to high risk and additional studies must be conducted.
  • The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) consolidates the cases before Judge Joseph R. Goodwin in Southern District of West Virginia.
  • Johnson & Johnson stops selling Gynecare TVT Secur, Gynecare Prosima, Gynecare Prolift and Gynecare Prolift +M products
Contact Pierce Skrabanek for legal help.
(832) 690-7000 | www.pstriallaw.com

do you still have questions?

contact our office to speak to a lawyer.

CONTACT US TODAY

Testimonials

Read what our past clients have to say about our legal services. 

Daryl M.

5 star icon

“My experience with Mr. Skrabanek was honestly far better than all expectations that we had. He took care of us like we were family, making sure me and my wife always felt like a priority and walked us through all of the concerns that we had. If you are looking for a professional who truly cares for his clients you can stop the search. You won’t be disappointed.”

Denise J.

5 star icon

“Mike and his team helped me settle an injury claim case. I was informed and helped through every step and they were always professional and very responsive. I really enjoyed working with them.”

Victoria S.

5 star icon

“My attorney, Michael, did an amazing job with my case. He’s a straight shooter and has a vast knowledge of the law combined with an extensive amount of experience, making him a fantastic attorney. I fully recommend this firm.

Thank you Pierce Skrabenek!”

Gabriela C.

5 star icon

“Paul Skrabanek of the law firm Pierce Skrabanek was very professional and went above & beyond in handling my daughter's case. Very dedicated, worked diligently, and got justice for my family. If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars I would. Thank you and your firm for such tenacity.”

Raymond H.

5 star icon

“These guys are awesome, they were very informative from the beginning to end, working with them was super smooth, and I had all questions answered thoroughly. The whole team at this firm works to help in every way they can. They were able to get me the compensation I deserved and exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in need of a stellar team to stand behind you and work for you, these guys are the ones you would want in your corner.

Thank you very much Paul and thank your team for me.”

Cam F.

5 star icon

“Working with Paul Skrabanek was a very positive experience. He helped me understand the legal process as someone who has never been a part of a lawsuit, and was able to get me settled quickly and painlessly! Loved working with Pierce Skrabanek law firm!”

Michele R.

5 star icon

Michael Pierce and his team, especially Krystle, were very professional, always available (even on weekends), and very knowledgeable. We appreciate their hard work on our case and the time they took to explain every detail as our case progressed. Mike is a phenomenal attorney and we highly recommend them for your legal needs.”

Beverly C.

5 star icon

“I found Mr. Skrabanek to be very trustworthy, creditable, and genuinely concerned about my well-being while I was going through this very difficult process. He showed constant concern for me being completely satisfied before making any final decisions.”

Diane T.

5 star icon

“Fantastic team of attorneys and staff dedicated to their clients. Michael Pierce is an outstanding trial attorney for personal injury cases.”

Deborah S.

5 star icon

“We watched, participated & listened to Paul Skrabanek fight for a settlement which we could be happy with. Just this month the case has been put to rest.”

Fill Out Our Form For Your Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

No items found.

We’re Here for You:
Real Results for Real Challenges

We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.

$11.6 Million Verdict in Catastrophic Injury Case

Served as trial counsel and obtained an $11.6 million jury verdict in a Houston, Texas case involving a worker who suffered a catastrophic injury that resulted in the loss of most of the sight in one of his eyes. The jury deliberated for only a day and a half before finding the defendant liable for designing a faulty piece of equipment that led to the injuries. The pretrial settlement offer was less than $300,000.

See More

$2.5 Million Verdict for Injury Victim

Served as first chair trial attorney on plaintiff’s case regarding a defectively manufactured steering mechanism for a boat motor. A non-party lost the alleged defective part before suit was filed. Plaintiff nevertheless prevailed on the defective manufacturing theory and obtained a total judgment of $2.5 million. Defendant offered no money to settle the case prior to trial.

See More