Concerns raised over new vaginal mesh guidelines

Following last year’s widespread pause, the new vaginal mesh guidelines have been published. Understandably, concerns have been raised that they may not good enough.

We can tell you from experience that the complications and suffering that women can endure when vaginal mesh surgery goes wrong can be horrendous. We’re acting for women on a No Win, No Fee basis who are making claims for personal injury compensation because of problems they’ve experienced. With some women left unable to work or walk ever again, the continued use of these devices must be heavily scrutinised.

Concerns have been raised that the new vaginal mesh guidelines that have been published haven’t considered the experiences of the victims, and don’t go far enough to protect women who may undergo the procedure.

About the new vaginal mesh guidelines

The new vaginal mesh guidelines, according to the authors, are said to have considered the horrendous experiences of women who have suffered problems over the years slings and tapes have been used. The new guidelines are also said to ensure that there’s increased awareness about what can go wrong, which is vital when some women can be left with permanent problems.

A promise of greater support is vital, but do the new guidelines go far enough?

The guidelines are said to ensure that non-surgical options are fully explored before mesh is used, but how can women be expected to calculate the benefits vs the risks of having mesh fitted? When the risks of complications can turn your life upside down, how can patients feel assured?

Critics hit out at new vaginal mesh guidelines

Critics have understandably hit out over the publication of the new vaginal mesh guidelines. The Chairman for the cross-party surgical mesh group, Owen Smith MP, said:

“I am deeply disappointed that the updated guidelines appear to disregard mesh-injured women’s experiences by stating that there is no long-term evidence of adverse effects. Thousands of women have faced life-changing injuries following mesh surgery and they must not be ignored.”

Smith also suggested that the guidelines weren’t clear enough about only using mesh surgery when other options have been explored.

We understand the damage

As we represent women who are making vaginal mesh compensation claims, we understand the extent of the suffering that some patients can endure. It can be impossible to remove surgically-implanted mesh in some cases. Where there are complications, some patients can be stuck with them for life.

The new vaginal mesh guidelines may come as little comfort to the thousands of women who have suffered complications. We’re still taking cases forward, but you must be very careful about missing important deadlines in cases like this. Take a look at our advice page here for more information, and please contact the team if you need help and advice (it’s free and on a no-obligation basis).

The Group Action Lawyers decided to take action and represent women suffering with mesh implant problems on a No Win, No Fee basis because of how severe the suffering can be.