Pelvic Organ Prolapse (“POP”) and Stress Urinary Incontinence (“SUI”) are two commonly occurring medical conditions where the tissue in the pelvic region weakens or becomes damaged. A common treatment for POP or SUI, is to have a porous mesh device surgically implanted into the vaginal and/or pelvic region of the body to support weakened or damaged tissue.
These pelvic mesh devices are generally made from a material know as polypropylene; however recent studies have shown that the intra-abdominal pressures exerted by the body during normal breathing alters the surface structure of the implanted polypropylene mesh.
While the “mechanical stress” exerted on a mesh device will differ between each individual that has been implanted, researchers have found that, generally, the greater the mechanical stress that is applied to the mesh, the greater the likelihood of the material becoming stiff, hardening and then cracking.
Polypropylene is also subject to becoming weak and degraded when it comes into contact with oxidizing agents. The cracks that appear in the mesh as a result of the pressure exerted on it in the pelvic region, create a new contact surface for oxidizing agents which often leads to accelerated degradation and weakening of the mesh device.
RH Lawyers Inc. (“RHL”) and Richard Spoor Inc. (“RSI”) have launched class action proceedings against Johnson & Johnson, Coloplast and various other associated manufacturers and distributors of pelvic mesh, on the basis that the pelvic mesh devices were defective. The class action seeks to claim for compensation on behalf of class members who were implanted with the mesh, for the harm they suffered as a result.
Individuals who have suffered harm as a result of being implanted with defective pelvic mesh are encouraged to contact RH Lawyers as soon as possible by either: Emailing: info@rhlawyers.co.za or Calling 087 188 2698; or sending a please call me or WhatsApp to 062 973 9224.
