Johnson & Johnson TVT Case set for W. Va. MDL

The first transvaginal mesh trial against J & J for a suburethral sling product will be jointly tried by Matthews & Associates and Freese & Goss. The trial is set to begin Feb. 10, 2014 in the multi-district litigation court (MDL) in Charleston, West Virginia.

The case involves a Texas woman who was implanted with J & J’s Gynecare TVT mesh sling, a transvaginally implanted polypropylene tape used as a suburethral sling for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Shortly after the mesh was implanted in 2009, the woman experienced severe pelvic pain and dyspareunia (painful intercourse). AnMRI of her pelvis revealed abnormal tissue between the posterior urethra and anterior vaginal wall, which was reportedly either granulation tissue from the body’s reaction to, or its rejection of, the mesh, or sling placement. She also reported urinary frequency and urgency issues, as well as a weak stream.

The woman later underwent surgery to remove the transvaginal suburethral tape, at which time it was discovered that clear plastic along with blue mesh-like material was embedded throughout her natural body tissues.

The difficulty removing the synthetic plastic material when problems arise can cause serious problems. The result can be a lifetime of pain for the unlucky woman in whom the material was implanted.

Matthews & Associates and Freese & Goss charge that Johnson & Johnson failed to properly warn the woman of the difficulty of having the mesh removed in the event that the body rejects it, or in the event that the product causes more problems than it solves, including the chronic pain which she now experiences daily.

The trial is expected to last at least two weeks.

by Matthews & Associates