The Continence Foundation of Australia has expressed its support of the High Court’s decision to reject a pharmaceutical giant’s bid for appeal against the ruling regarding pelvic mesh implants in Australian women.
In 2021, the High Court of Australia rejected pharmaceutical company Johnson and Johnson’s appeal regarding the ruling that its mesh implant product should never have been made available to the Australian market.
Known as transvaginal mesh, the devices were designed to treat conditions such as stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvis organ prolapse (POP), where non-surgical treatments such as pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, absorbent products and lifestyle changes aren’t successful.
Though a successful treatment option for some women, thousands of others experienced complications including infections and damage to organs, nerves and tissue.
CEO of the Continence Foundation of Australia, Rowan Cockerell, says the Foundation would like to recognise the High Court’s decision in relation to compensation for women who have experienced adverse effects from mesh implants, and remind all women of support systems available to them.
“We acknowledge the distressing cases related to complications associated with mesh, and the significant impact these complications have had on women’s lives,” says Mrs Cockerell.
“We support and advocate for the provision of robust evidence-based information to be provided to all women regarding any procedure using mesh which carries established risks.”
Mesh products have many brand names and if women are not sure if mesh has been used or what type of mesh has been used, the best course of action is to consult their surgeon and ask them to provide information about the product used and what type of operation was performed.
Incontinence affects over 5 million Australians, including residents in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, ranging from a small leak to complete loss of bladder or bowel control. Help is always available, and in most cases, incontinence can be better managed, treated or even cured.
The Continence Foundation of Australia is a not-for-profit organisation and the national peak body for incontinence prevention, management, education, awareness, information and advocacy.
For women with incontinence issues due to mesh implants or for any other reason, please call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66, between 8am and 8pm (AEST), Monday to Friday, to speak confidentially to a Nurse Continence Specialist for advice, information, and referral to your local services.
The Health Issues Centre (HIC) offers a support service for women who want to be put in contact with another woman who has experienced complications with mesh. The Contact number for HIC is 03 8676 9050.
