Mesh implants are a, usually synthetic, device used during surgery to strengthen damaged or weakened muscle or tissue to treat prolapse, incontinence and hernias.
Used widely across the UK, there have been considerable reports in recent years of patient complications such as bleeding, difficulty walking post-surgery, infection, bladder perforation, incontinence, nerve damage, mesh erosion/protrusion and severe pain. Could this have been prevented?
When could mesh insertion be deemed as negligent?
The mesh insertion could be deemed as negligent if it has resulted in one of the following:
- Uninformed consent;
- Substandard placement/ surgical error;
- Failure to follow up post-surgery or in a timely manner;
- Failure to manage complications.
Before the surgery, the doctor is under a duty to highlight the material risks. They must also explain alternative treatments, the consequences of not having treatment and present the pros and cons for each one. If a doctor had not done this, or given proper advice, and that could well be grounds for a claim of clinical negligence.
What factors might need to be considered?
There are a variety of factors to consider, including the following…
- Was the mesh implant inserted incorrectly on the outset or as a result of migration? If it was from the outset, did the surgeon have the right expertise for the procedure and the latest, specialist training?
- During post-surgery, was the patient offered follow up appointments? Were they in a timely manner, were there long delays or was there no follow up appointment at all?
- Were the complications a known risk? Were they rectifiable and dealt with in a timely manner? Or was the patient left to deal with the complications themselves, struggling in pain?
How do I find out what happened to me?
With high profile reports in the media and growing awareness of issues experienced by those who have received mesh implants, there is an understandable increase in stress and anxiety, especially when possible symptoms and side effects are a result of clinical negligence.
At Dutton Gregory Solicitors, members of our expert clinical negligence team have a wealth of experience to help you by taking all the investigation away.
Our role is to listen to what you have experienced, ascertain whether you received the proper advice and treatment and report back to you whether you have a claim for compensation that will help pay for the further treatment and support you will need.
If you wish to discuss your potential claim further, in total confidence and with no obligation, please contact the Clinical Negligence team at Dutton Gregory on 01202 315005 or contact@duttongregory.co.uk.
