Mesh: Denial, half-truths and the harms (March 2021)

Summary

In this article, Sharon Hartles, a member of the Harm and Evidence Research Collaborative, critically discusses the harmful impacts of mesh medical devices against the backdrop of disempowerment, denial and half-truths.

Surgical meshes have been in use since the late 19th century. In the mid-20th century the clinical usage of mesh increased. Now, in the early 21st century, procedures involving mesh implantation are common surgeries that are performed around the world. Despite the frequency and worldwide usage of mesh medical devices, the debate about whether or not the benefits outweigh the alleged harms remains highly contested.  

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Further recommended reading:

• Dangerous exclusions: The risk to patient safety of sex and gender bias
• Healing after harm: A restorative approach to incidents
• Analysing the Cumberlege Review: Who should join the dots for patient safety?
• Findings of the Cumberlege Review: informed consent
• Findings of the Cumberlege Review: patient complaints