Mum who blames mesh implant for crippling pain blasts Government for continued use

A mum who blames a controversial plastic implant for her crippling pain has blasted the Scottish Government for continuing to use the products.

Roseanna Clarkin is one of a number of women who blame mesh products for life-changing complications.

In her case, it was used to treat an umbilical hernia in 2015.

Three years later, while the Scottish Government banned the use of trans vaginal mesh products, surgical mesh is still used for other procedures.

Studies suggest 5 to 20% of hernia operations result in mesh failure. A study in the British Medical Journal, said the rate could be 12 to 30%.

Campaigners have been calling for an independent review and patients including Roseanna want a ban on all surgical mesh and fixation devices.

Roseanna, 41, of Clydebank, said: “Vaginal mesh is banned but mesh is still used for other procedures. Ultimately, it’s the same mesh that can cause the same problems.”

In 2023, then First Minister Humza Yousaf said to suspend the use of hernia mesh would leave some people with limited or no treatment options.

Last year, Roseanna was diagnosed with a rectocele – a prolapse of the wall between the rectum and vagina – but was shocked doctors wanted to use mesh.

She said: “I was outraged. Mesh has caused ­devastating effects to my life and body. There was no way I was having any more.” 

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Source: The Sun, 23 July 2025