Settlement for client left with chronic pain following vaginal mesh surgery

Our medical negligence team has recently settled a claim for a woman who underwent vaginal mesh surgery which left her with severe pain affecting her life, relationships, work, and mental health.

After the birth of her first baby, our client suffered from symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. These worsened after her second child. She discussed her problems with her GP and was eventually referred to a private surgeon.

Our client then underwent transobturator tension-free vaginal tape (TOT) surgery under the care of the private surgeon. She subsequently developed chronic pain in the pelvis/groin, had to undergo two mesh removal surgeries, and suffered with recurrent urinary stress incontinence, as well as tenderness of the vaginal wall and psychological symptoms.

Our client had previously been represented by two different firms of solicitors who were unable to conclude her claim for her. Once instructed, we obtained evidence from an expert in urogynaecology and alleged that the defendant surgeon failed to obtain informed consent for the TOT surgery. He failed to inform her of reasonable alternative treatments and to properly advise her of the risks of such surgery.

Had she been properly advised, our client would have not have undergone TOT surgery. She would have elected for insertion of a retropubic TVT (transvaginal tape) and would have avoided the consequent pain, removal surgeries, urinary stress incontinence and psychological symptoms she suffered.

The defendant denied there had been any failure in the care provided. Although we challenged this, the defendant was not willing to reconsider its position. We therefore issued court proceedings and litigated the claim. Despite the continued denial, we were able to negotiate a settlement for our client three months before the trial date.

We are very pleased to have been able to achieve a settlement. However, there is no sum of money that will be able to compensate our client for the long-term physical and emotional effects of her treatment, as well as the lengthy process of litigation while the claim was defended. We hope that reaching a conclusion to the claim brings a sense of resolution for her and her family, and that the settlement monies help her to access treatment and support in the future.