Rectal Mesh Claims

Legally reviewed by: LLB (Hons) Nimish Patel Updated: January 17, 2022

Rectal Mesh Claims

If you have suffered from painful complications from a rectal mesh implant, then our specialist rectal mesh solicitors at AWH can help you with rectal mesh claims. This will then allow you to get the compensation that you deserve to be able to recover. We understand that undergoing a negligent medical procedure can have a huge impact on your life. With the right support and advice, we hope to help you return to normal as best you can.

What is rectal mesh used to treat?

A rectal or bowel prolapse is when part of your rectum (the bottom part of the large intestine) moves from its normal position and exits the body via the anus. Whilst the idea of this does sound alarming, it is not typically considered a medical emergency. However, the longer that the condition goes untreated, the worse it can get. There are three types of rectal prolapse that progress in stages. They are:

• Internal rectal prolapse or internal intussusception

This is when the rectum has started to drop and can be felt, but it is not yet sticking out of the anus.

• Mucosal prolapse

This is when part of the rectal lining pokes out of your anus.

• Full-thickness rectal prolapse

The entire rectum is sticking out of your anus. As this is the most obvious, this is often the type that leads to a consultation with a doctor.

In some cases, you may be able to push it back in yourself, but this is not a long-term solution and it is unlikely that you will be able to continue indefinitely without treatment. If you have a rectal prolapse, you may also notice a lump or swelling coming out of your anus.

The diagnosis of a rectal prolapse can include the following:

• A colonoscopy

This is when a narrow, flexible, tube-like telescopic camera called a colonoscope is used in order for your doctor to look inside your large bowel.

• A Barium enema

This is an X-Ray examination of your lower bowel. A special fluid is passed through your anus to show up the lining of your bowel when X-Ray pictures are taken.

• A Proctography

This is another type of X-Ray or MRI scan that shows your rectum and anal canal when you’re having a bowel movement. This test is also sometimes known as a defecography.

• A Rigid proctosigmoidoscopy

This is when your doctor uses a non-flexible tube with a light to look at the inside of your rectum.

When your doctor has successfully diagnosed your rectal prolapse, they will be able to best inform you of the most appropriate treatment.

What is a rectal mesh implant?

A rectal mesh implant is when flexible mesh is inserted into the body to support, reinforce, or replace muscle tissue that has lost the ability to support and hold the rectum in place. The operation is called a ventral mesh rectopexy (or LVR).

In cases of rectal prolapse that are considered serious enough to involve surgery, there have been increasing reports of mesh implants being used incorrectly and ultimately causing more lasting pain for the patient.

If you have suffered from rectal mesh issues after surgery, then you may be able to claim compensation for your medical injury.

Can you claim compensation?

If you have undergone this rectal mesh surgery and you were never fully informed of the risks that may have been involved, then you may be able to claim compensation for your suffering. If any of the following criteria applies to you, then you can seek help from our trained specialists.

Get in touch with us if:

• You feel that you didn’t receive enough information about the risks of the mesh implant prior to your surgery
• You were not made aware that the implant would be permanently in your body
• You were not offered a consultation prior to the procedure or were not given enough time prior to the procedure to consider the pros and cons
• You were disappointed with the standard of surgery that you received
• You sought healthcare on one or multiple occasions after your surgery, as a result of the implant, and were not dealt with appropriately
• Your subsequent complaints were ignored by healthcare staff
• You have had to have revision surgery to repair the damage caused by your mesh implant
• You were not offered any other alternatives to rectal mesh implants prior to surgery

How We Can Help You

Here at AWH, we can advise and support you if you have suffered injury from an incorrect rectal mesh procedure. Our medical negligence claims solicitors understand how it can impact your life in a multitude of ways and want to help you get back to feeling good.