A recent article published in the April 1, 2019 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer noted that surgical mesh commonly used in breast implant surgery is causing women to suffer an increase in surgical complications, including serious infections, breast reconstruction failures and swelling.  

 

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie & Associates,  our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has a history of representing victims who have suffered serious injuries and complications caused by medical products and medicines throughout Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of a surgical mesh product, please call us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (844) 777-2529.   We practice throughout Pennsylvania, including Central and Western Pennsylvania and, with offices in State College, Bellefonte, Lock Haven and Philadelphia, we are always available to meet with you in person.

 

Originally, a small piece of surgical mesh was sewed into the muscle during breast implant surgery to create a hammock-like sling underneath the implant, allowing surgeons to provide more room for the implant to expand. According to the article, the practice evolved and surgeons have been wrapping the entire implant in the surgical mesh.

 

The Inquirer article noted this use of surgical mesh during breast implant surgery has expanded rapidly, despite the fact its use has not been adequately studied, and is used in over 80% of breast implant surgeries. The mesh was approved for surgical use by the FDA via a process known as “510(k),” which allows clearance based on scientific evidence showing the mesh was similar to products already approved and available on the market, rather than by engaging in extensive studies to determine the product’s safety. However, the FDA admits it has not approved the mesh for use with breast implants or in breast reconstruction, and therefore has not reviewed its potential risks and benefits. 

 

Surgical mesh used in breast implants has been found to cause number serious complications, including:

 

• Major Infections: Dangerous bacteria, including MRSA and Group B Strep, are known to attach the walls of mesh products. The failure to reduce the bacteria adhering to the mesh can cause serious infections years after surgery, leading to painful swelling, wounds, additional surgery and even death.

• Capsular Contraction: This is caused when the body’s immune system responds poorly to the mesh inserted into the breast, causing the area around the implant to collapse. This leads to painful swelling and breast irregularities, which often require the implant to be removed and reconstructed.   A study published in journal Biomed Research International found that surgical mesh increased the risk of capsular contraction by three times.

• Reconstructive Failure: Sometimes, the mesh simply fails to remain connected to the surrounding tissue and no longer holds the breast implant in place as it should. This often leads to repeated surgery to remove the old implant and reconstruct the breast, exposing the patient to increase risks of infection and future failures.

 

Despite these risks and the lack of studies evaluating the safety of using surgical mesh in breast implant surgery, the article noted manufactures of surgical mesh spending large amounts of money to market their mesh products to surgeons. Patients should be weary of these products and educate themselves on the risks posed by surgical mesh.

 

In a recent case involving surgical mesh, a Philadelphia Jury awarded more than $80 Million to a woman who claimed a transvaginal mesh product that eroded and caused permanent, painful injuries. Another Philadelphia Jury awarded a victim in a similar surgical mesh case more than $120 Million.  

 

Again, if you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of a surgical mesh product, please call us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (844) 777-2529.   We practice throughout Pennsylvania, including Central and Western Pennsylvania and, with offices in State College, Bellefonte, Lock Haven and Philadelphia, we are always available to meet with you in person.