Transvaginal mesh, a synthetic surgical implant used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women, has become the center of significant medical device litigation in Wisconsin and nationwide. These mesh products, originally marketed as a safe and effective treatment option, have been linked to severe complications including chronic pain, organ perforation, infection, and mesh erosion through vaginal tissue. Many Wisconsin women who received these implants have experienced devastating health consequences, leading to additional surgeries, ongoing medical treatments, and diminished quality of life. The controversy surrounding transvaginal mesh has sparked numerous product liability lawsuits against manufacturers, with plaintiffs alleging design defects, inadequate testing, and failure to warn about potential risks. These cases often involve complex medical evidence and require thorough documentation of injuries, medical expenses, and long-term impacts on patients' lives.

Here are 10 severe injuries commonly associated with transvaginal mesh implants:

1. Mesh erosion - The synthetic material can wear through vaginal tissue, leading to exposure of the mesh and severe complications. This condition often requires surgical intervention and can result in chronic pain and infection.
2. Organ perforation - The mesh may puncture or perforate nearby organs including the bladder, urethra, rectum, or bowel, potentially causing serious internal damage and requiring emergency surgery.
3. Chronic pelvic pain - Many women experience persistent, debilitating pain in the pelvic region that can significantly impact daily activities, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life.
4. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) - The presence of mesh can lead to frequent, severe urinary tract infections that may become resistant to antibiotics over time.
5. Vaginal scarring and shrinkage - The body's response to the mesh can cause extensive scarring and tissue contraction, leading to vaginal shortening or narrowing that can cause significant discomfort and sexual dysfunction.
6. Neuromuscular problems - Nerve damage from the mesh can cause muscle weakness, reduced mobility, and chronic pain that may extend to the legs and lower back.
7. Dyspareunia - Severe pain during sexual intercourse is a common complication, often leading to intimate relationship difficulties and psychological distress.
8. Autoimmune reactions - Some women develop systemic inflammatory responses to the mesh material, resulting in chronic fatigue, muscle pain, and other autoimmune-like symptoms.
9. Fistula formation - Abnormal connections can develop between organs (such as vaginal-bladder or vaginal-rectal fistulas) causing serious complications including infection and incontinence.
10. Mesh contracture - The implant may contract or shrink over time, causing severe pain, organ dysfunction, and potential damage to surrounding tissues and blood vessels.

Each of these injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished quality of life, potentially forming the basis for legal claims against mesh manufacturers or healthcare providers.

Legal Rights and Considerations: In Wisconsin, product liability claims involving transvaginal mesh fall under the state's strict liability laws (Wis. Stat. § 895.047), which hold manufacturers responsible for defective products regardless of negligence. The statute of limitations for filing a product liability claim in Wisconsin is generally three years from the date of injury discovery (Wis. Stat. § 893.54), though this may be extended under certain circumstances. Victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning plaintiffs can recover damages as long as they are not more than 51% at fault. Insurance considerations typically involve both medical insurance coverage for treatments and potential settlements from manufacturer liability insurance. An experienced Wisconsin transvaginal mesh lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources: Courts:

• Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Court (Milwaukee)
• Western District of Wisconsin Federal Court (Madison)
• Wisconsin Circuit Courts (by county)

Support Services:

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services Medical Device Safety Division
• Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation
• WISH (Wisconsin Institute for Surgical Health)
• Wisconsin Association for Justice Victim Support Services

Regulatory Information:

• Wisconsin Medical Device Safety Regulations
• FDA Safety Communications on Transvaginal Mesh
• Wisconsin Department of Justice Consumer Protection
• Wisconsin Board of Medicine Medical Device Guidelines

Return to the Green Bay product liability information page