While it has been acknowledged that child birth and menopause are the major risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI), it has been noted that more surgeries were performed for POP and SUI repairs as a result of a hysterectomy or the surgical removal of the uterus. It may not be uncommon to discover that a lot of women who have sought assistance in getting representation for their GYNECARE PROLIFT mesh lawsuits experienced the severe complications after being operated for the removal of the uterus.

 

These complications that resulted to serious injuries came about after a vaginal mesh was implanted during hysterectomy. It is usual practice in these procedures to insert a vaginal mesh in order to prevent the occurrence of urinary incontinence and to reinforce the vaginal vault which may weaken without the uterus to provide support. 

 

In a study involving close to 700,000 subjects that was conducted by a team of researchers from Sweden, with the results published online in the International Urogynecology Journal, it was found that hysterectomy was associated with an increased risk for subsequent POP and SUI surgery. This increase in risk was not only for a hysterectomy to repair a uterine prolapse, but was also true for other medical conditions. This procedure may also be performed to treat endometriosis, fibroid tumors, cancer of certain pelvic organs, abnormal vaginal bleeding, thickening of the uterus, and even chronic pelvic pain.

 

These disturbing results have certainly caused grave concern among several sectors, particularly the women’s groups. This may be understandable in light of the data that show hysterectomy as being the second most common type of surgical procedure for women. This type of operation, which is undertaken by 600,000 women every year, closely follows that of a caesarian section. Research also shows that one-third of women will have undergone hysterectomy by the time they reach 60 years of age.

 

Women’s groups have strongly taken a stand against this high number of hysterectomies performed on women. Referring to several studies, they have claimed that over 98 percent of these operations were not necessary. Furthermore, they have cited countless cases were the lives of these women were negatively affected after the loss of their uterus.

 

They have been advocating for the use of other methods of treatment instead of directly deciding on this procedure.  Particularly for hysterectomies to address uterine prolapse, a patient can effectively manage her condition through lifestyle and behavioral changes and conservative and non-invasive methods. Perhaps one thing that may truly benefit a patient is to practice pelvic floor muscle training which has been proven by various clinical trials to be highly effective in managing pelvic health problems including the very common uterine prolapse.

 

References:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21850508

womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/hysterectomy.cfm