Critics hit out at new vaginal mesh guidelines

Critics have hit out over the new vaginal mesh guidelines that have been introduced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

The new guidelines are said to have taken into account the experiences of numerous women who have suffered serious complications caused by vaginal mesh implants. There’s also said to be an increased focus on the need for women to be better informed about the potential risks, some of which can leave women unable to work or walk ever again.

But many believe that the new guidelines don’t go far enough and certainly don’t appear to have truly mirrored the horrendous suffering many women have endured. As a law firm acting for women who have suffered form vaginal mesh surgery, we know how bad it can get.

What’s being said about the new vaginal mesh guidelines?

A lot has been said about the new vaginal mesh guidelines so far. Many have criticised the new guidance, specifically in relation to the idea that the long-term impact of vaginal mesh surgery remains unknown territory. However, as has been rightly pointed out, there are thousands of women who have suffered complications, and they can testify as to how bad it can be.

Owen Smith (MP) is the Chairman for a cross-party surgical mesh group, and he was understandably critical of the new guidelines. He 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.”

Will the new vaginal mesh guidelines work?

As lawyers, our take on the new vaginal mesh guidelines has to be based on what we know from our clients. The fact that the guidelines do appear to not fully account for what some women have gone through is incredibly concerning.

Have a read of our page about vaginal mesh implant complications and you can see how bad it can get.

Although we fight for justice in terms of compensation claims for victims who have suffered, we’d rather be able to turn back the clock. But we can’t, and no amount of money in some cases can truly heal the permanent wounds that some women are left with.

The promise of greater support is important, but will it go far enough? When you have the option of surgery after non-surgical methods have failed, and the symptoms of prolapse are bad enough, how do you calculate the risk of things potentially going wrong? You have to remember that surgical technique has been blamed for many instances of mesh implant failure, and in some cases, it can be impossible to reverse the damage.