Did You (or A Loved One) Suffer Injury or Complications After Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Surgery (i.e., Sacrocolposuspension or Sacrocolpopexy) Involving Y-Shaped Surgical Mesh (Y-Mesh)?
Abdominal Surgical Y-Mesh Lawsuits & Settlements
Reviewed by Jacobs Kolton, Chtd. Attorneys at Law; Updated May 2026
The Y-mesh lawsuits involve claims that manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and doctors that abdominal Y-shaped surgical mesh products used during sacrocolpopexy or sacrocolposuspension surgery to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) may cause serious complications, including mesh erosion, migration, contraction, organ perforation, infection, chronic pelvic pain, fistula, nerve damage, recurrence of prolapse, and the need for revision or removal surgery.
Our team of medical device injury lawyers and class action attorneys is investigating transabdominal surgical y-mesh lawsuit cases and settlement claims of women who have suffered from Y-mesh complications and injuries after having sacrocolpopexy surgery involving Y-mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
If you or a loved one suffered from complications or injuries after having transabdominal pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery (i.e., sacrocolpopexy or sacrocolposuspension) involving Y-shaped surgical mesh (“Y-mesh”) including Upsylon, Restorelle, Artisyn, Alyte Y-mesh brands, you may be entitled to recover compensation from a Y-mesh lawsuit case or settlement claim.
Y-mesh (a/k/a Y-shaped pelvic mesh) is a type of surgical pelvic mesh implant (typically made of polypropylene, a type of permanent synthetic plastic) that is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition where organs such as the bladder, uterus, or vaginal vault drop out of their normal position due to weakened support tissues.
Unlike vaginal mesh which is implanted through the vagina, Y-mesh is implanted through the abdomen (transabdominal) in a procedure called a sacrocolpopexy, where a surgeon accesses the pelvis through the abdomen (open surgery, laparoscopic, or robotic) and attaches the two top arms (the “V” part of the Y mesh) to the front and back walls of the vagina (or the cervix/top of the vaginal vault) and anchors the tail (the “stem” part of the Y-mesh) to a strong ligament on the sacrum (the bony tailbone area) in order to lift the vagina (and nearby prolapsed organs) back in their normal position and provide long-term structural support.
Unfortunately, many women who received Y-mesh implants as part of pelvic organ prolapse repair surgeries have reported experiencing significant complications and injuries related to the Y-mesh, including mesh erosion, mesh contraction, mesh migration, mesh protrusion, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, organ damage, and the need for repeat corrective surgeries, among others.
Injured women (and, in some cases, their family members) are now coming forward and filing Y-mesh lawsuits seeking compensation and justice for the harm and suffering they may have endured.
Y-Mesh Injury Lawsuit: Overview
- What Are The Y-Mesh Lawsuits About?
- What Is Y-Mesh Or Y Shaped Surgical Mesh?
- Is Abdominal Y-Mesh Different Than Vaginal Mesh?
- Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treated With Y-Mesh?
- Are Attorneys Investigating Y-Mesh Injury Cases?
- Who May Qualify For a Y-Mesh Lawsuit or Settlement?
- What Are Some Key Facts To know About Y-Mesh Lawsuits?
- What Injuries May Be Linked to Y-Mesh?
- What Companies Have Been Sued Over Y-Mesh?
- Which Y-Mesh Products May Be Involved In Y-Mesh Litigation?
- What Do Medical Studies Say About Y-Mesh Complications?
- Can I Recover Compensation From a Y-Mesh Injury Lawsuit?
- Is There A Deadline To File a Y-Mesh Lawsuit?
- Request A Free Case Review From A Y-Mesh Injury Lawyer
Y-Mesh Lawsuit Cases & Settlement Claims
Y-mesh lawsuit cases and settlement claims potentially being investigated include claims of women who, after having pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery involving a Y-mesh product, suffered serious injury or complications including, among others:
- Corrective or revision Y-mesh surgery
- Multiple Y-mesh revision surgeries
- Surgery to repair Y-mesh
- Surgery to remove Y-mesh
- Y-mesh revision/removal surgery recommended
- Y-mesh erosion into the vaginal canal
- Y-mesh extrusion into other organs
- Y-mesh protrudes or skin split
- Migration of the Y-mesh
- Punctures or injury to nearby organs
- Bowel, bladder or blood vessel perforations
- Hardening of Y-mesh
- Shrinking or contraction of Y-mesh
- Pelvic scarring
- Pelvic pain
- Nerve damage
- Sepsis
- Infection
- Spinal infection (spondylodiscitis)
- Sacrum/spine/tailbone infection
- Defecatory dysfunction
- Fistula
- Urinary problems
- Permanent pelvic distortion
- Recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
- Pain before, during or after sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Narrowing of vaginal wall
- Vaginal shrinkage
- Bleeding
- Neuromuscular problems
- Other Y-mesh injuries or complications
If you or someone you love suffered injury or complications from a Y-shaped surgical mesh product, you may be eligible to recover compensation from a Y-mesh lawsuit or settlement case.
Who May Qualify For A Y-Mesh Lawsuit
Individuals may qualify for a Y-mesh injury lawsuit case or settlement claim if they (or a loved one):
- Had Y-Mesh Surgically Implanted: Had Y-shaped surgical mesh implanted transabdominally during a sacrocolpopexy or sacrocolposuspension procedure to treat pelvic organ prolapse.
- Experienced Y-Mesh Failure Or Defect: The Y-mesh degraded, hardened, folded, curled, frayed, fragmented, protruded, eroded, exposed, extruded, contracted, shrunk, migrated, punctured organs or tissues, lost structural integrity, became embedded in surrounding tissue, caused infection, triggered scar-tissue formation, caused a chronic foreign-body inflammatory reaction or experienced other mesh failure or defect.
- Suffered Injury (or Death): Suffered complications or injury from the Y-mesh, including pain, infection (sepsis or spondylodiscitis), organ damage or perforation, scarring, fistula, nerve damage, revision surgery to remove, repair or replace the Y-shaped mesh, additional surgery to repair tissue or organs or to treat recurring complications and/or death.
Other criteria may apply in order to be eligible. Not all individuals or cases qualify for a Y-mesh lawsuit. Individuals may not qualify if: (1) medical factors or unclear timing make it difficult to link the injuries to a Y-mesh product; (2) the claim is outside the statute of limitations or statute of repose period (if an individual waits too long they may be legally barred from suing); and/or (3) medical records do not support the claims. Individuals may not qualify for other reasons.
Y-Mesh Lawsuit: Summary of Key Information
| Key Information | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Y-mesh | A Y-shaped surgical mesh implant used in abdominal pelvic organ prolapse repair, usually made from polypropylene, a synthetic plastic material. |
| Sacrocolpopexy Surgery (Sacrocolposuspension) | Surgical procedure used to repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP) usually performed through the abdomen by lifting and supporting the vagina or uterus and attaching it to tissue near the sacrum, often using Y-shaped surgical mesh. |
| Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) | A condition where one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus rectum, small intestine, top of the vagina after hysterectomy) drop from their normal position because the muscles and tissues that support them weakened. |
| Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse | Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) may include pelvic pressure, a visible or noticeable bulge in the vagina, the feeling that something is falling out, urinary leakage, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, lower back pain, discomfort during sex, vaginal irritation, and other symptoms. |
| Y-Mesh Brands | Upsylon, Restorelle, Artisyn, Alyte, or other Y-shaped pelvic mesh products. |
| Possible Y-Mesh Injuries | Mesh erosion, migration, contraction, organ injury, chronic pelvic pain, infection, painful intercourse, urinary problems, revision surgery and other possible complications. |
| Mesh Revision Surgery | A follow-up surgery to repair, revise, partially remove, or fully remove implanted mesh because of complications. |
| Potential Defendants | Manufacturers and sellers of pelvic Y-mesh products. |
| Possible Legal Claims | Failure to warn, defective design, negligence, misrepresentation, or related product liability claims and other possible claims. |
| Compensation For Injuries | A Y-mesh lawsuit or settlement may seek compensation for medical bills and other expenses, lost wages, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages, depending on the facts of the case. |
Y-Mesh Injury Lawsuit Complaints
Women who claim to have been injured due to complications from Y-mesh have filed lawsuits seeking to recover money damages for pelvic mesh injuries they suffered due to mesh protrusion, mesh erosion, mesh exposure, mesh extrusion, mesh contraction or shrinkage, mesh migration, and mesh puncturing of organs, among others.
Plaintiffs in Y-mesh injury lawsuit complaints may allege:
- Oxidative Degradation Of Polypropylene Mesh (Cracking Plastic): Plaintiffs may allege that Y-mesh polypropylene mesh begins to chemically degrade almost immediately after implantation. Plaintiffs may point to studies showing that once exposed to the body’s oxygen-rich environment and immune response, the plastic undergoes oxidative stress, leading to surface cracking, flaking, and the release of micro-plastic particles from the mesh. This degradation may cause the Y-mesh to become brittle and sharp, effectively turning a soft support into a “cheese-wire” that can saw through delicate vaginal walls, the bladder, or the rectum.
- Mesh Contraction/Shrinkage (“Bowstring” Effect): In some Y-mesh lawsuits, plaintiffs may assert that the plastic material in the mesh is prone to severe shrinkage and contraction over time, sometimes losing up to 50% of its original surface area. Because the Y-mesh is anchored firmly to the sacrum (tailbone) and the vaginal vault, this contraction may create a “bowstring” effect, physically pulling the internal organs toward the spine (causing “pulling sensations” and back or pelvic pressure). This mechanical tension can lead to permanent pelvic distortion, debilitating “knife-like” pain, and a loss of organ function that native tissue repair would not have caused.
- Chronic Foreign Body Response: Women in some Y-mesh lawsuits allege that the body’s immune system identifies the synthetic mesh as a permanent invader, triggering a Chronic Foreign Body Response (FBR) that never resolves. This constant state of inflammation may cause the body to encase the mesh in dense, “rock-hard” fibrous scar tissue (fibrosis). Plaintiffs may argue that this makes the mesh rigid and immobile, leading to chronic pelvic pain and “dyspareunia” (painful intercourse), while also making the device difficult or impossible to remove without damaging organs it has become fused to.
- Bridge Scarring Due To Y-Mesh Pore Size: In some Y-mesh cases, plaintiffs may allege that due to the size of the pores in the Y-mesh, it was prone to “bridge scarring” where scar tissue grows across the mesh pores, turning a flexible net into a solid, rigid, sharp plastic sheet that cannot move with the body. Instead of acting as a flexible support, the mesh may become a solid, rock-hard plastic plate that cannot move with the body’s natural mechanics.
- Mesh Migration: Y-mesh lawsuits may allege that mesh has migrated from its intended position. Mesh migration occurs when the Y-mesh physically moves from its original surgical location to a different part of the pelvic or abdominal cavity, usually slowly over months or years rather than all at once. When migration occurs, women may develop pelvic or back pain, urinary or bowel problems, painful intercourse, or bleeding, and treatment often requires additional surgery, though complete removal can be difficult because the mesh becomes embedded in surrounding tissue. In Y-mesh sacrocolpopexy, migration can be particularly dangerous because the device can move toward the bowel, bladder, or spine, potentially wrapping around the intestines or invading the pre-sacral space. This movement is often driven by mesh contraction (shrinkage), which can create a “slingshot” effect, pulling the Y-mesh away from its attachment points and into surrounding organs, which often necessitates high-risk, complex “explant” surgery to prevent life-threatening complications like bowel obstruction. The process or progression of mesh migration can involve: mesh protrusion (where the Y-mesh is pushing against or bulging into the tissue wall, but hasn’t fully broken through yet), mesh erosion (where the Y-mesh has physically “broken through” the tissue wall of the vagina, bladder, or bowel, mesh exposure (where the Y-mesh is visible or can be felt during a physical exam, and mesh extrusion (where the Y-mesh is actively passing out of the tissue into a cavity like the vaginal canal).
- Spondylodiscitis (Spinal Infection): In some Y-mesh lawsuits, plaintiffs may allege that the mesh’s “tail” facilitates the travel of bacteria to the sacral bone, leading to life-altering spinal infections and the need for bone debridement (i.e., a surgical procedure to remove infected, dead, or damaged bone tissue).
Y-mesh lawsuit complaints typically allege one or more of the following types of legal claims, among others: design defect (i.e., allegations that Y-mesh was inherently unsafe due to the way it was designed, for example, because the polypropylene material can degrade, shrink, stiffen, provoke an excessive inflammatory response once implanted or is prone to “bridge scarring”), failure to warn (i.e., allegations that Defendants did not adequately inform doctors and patients about the true risks associated with Y-mesh, including complications such as mesh erosion, contraction, chronic pelvic pain, or the difficulty of complete removal, etc.), negligence (i.e., allegation that Defendants failed to exercise reasonable care in designing, testing, marketing, or monitoring the Y-mesh products), and breach of warranty or misrepresentation (i.e., allegations that Defendants made promises or representations (explicit or implied) that the Y-mesh was safe and effective for long-term pelvic support, but allegedly did not perform as promised or represented.
In Y-mesh lawsuits plaintiffs typically seek several types of compensatory damages, including, among other things, compensation for medical expenses (for doctor visits, diagnostic testing, medications, pelvic floor therapy, hospital stays, revision or removal surgeries, and ongoing specialist care), lost wages or loss of earnings capacity, pain and suffering (e.g., chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, nerve pain, bowel or bladder dysfunction, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, reduced quality of life resulting from the injuries and other complications) and, in some cases, punitive damages.
Companies Sued For Y-Mesh Injury
Defendants named in Y-mesh lawsuits have included manufacturers, sellers and/or distributors of Y-mesh, including:
- Boston Scientific Corp.
- Ethicon, Inc.
- Johnson and Johnson (J&J)
- Coloplast Corp.
- C.R. Bard, Inc.
- Becton, Dickinson and Company
- Other Y-mesh defendants
Y-Mesh Brands Involved in Y-Mesh Litigation
Y-mesh brands involved in the Y-mesh lawsuits have included:
- Upsylon Y-mesh
- Restorelle Y-mesh
- Artisyn Y-mesh
- Alyte Y-mesh
- Other Y-mesh products
Medical Studies On Y-Mesh Complications
Studies and medical reviews have reported that complications after abdominal sacrocolpopexy mesh may include mesh erosion, mesh exposure, infection, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, urinary dysfunction, bowel symptoms, organ injury, and the need for revision or removal surgery.
| Mesh Complication Study | Summary |
|---|---|
| Kohli et al., “Mesh Erosion After Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy,” Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1998 | This retrospective study reviewed 57 abdominal sacrocolpopexy patients. Seven patients had suture or mesh erosions, and all five patients with mesh erosion required transvaginal removal of the mesh. The authors concluded that mesh erosion after abdominal sacrocolpopexy may require surgical intervention. |
| South et al., “Surgical Excision of Eroded Mesh After Prior Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy,” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2007 | This study specifically examined surgical excision of eroded mesh after prior abdominal sacrocolpopexy and compared transvaginal mesh excision with endoscopic-assisted transvaginal excision. |
| Dawson et al., “A Novel Approach to Mesh Revision After Sacrocolpopexy,” Urology, 2016 | This case-based article discusses mesh revision after sacrocolpopexy and states that mesh complications may include chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, mesh erosion, and urinary or defecatory dysfunction. It describes complete mesh excision using vaginal and laparoscopic approaches. |
| Hudson et al., “Outcomes of Robotic Sacrocolpopexy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” 2014 | This systematic review reported that the second most common reoperation after robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy was mesh revision, with a reported rate of 1.7% |
| Abbott et al., “Evaluation and Management of Complications From Synthetic Mesh After Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery,” AJOG, 2014 | This multicenter study addressed evaluation and management of synthetic mesh complications after pelvic reconstructive surgery. Reported complications included bladder perforation, mesh erosion, chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, infection, and fistula formation. |
| Barski & Deng, “Management of Mesh Complications After SUI and POP Repair,” 2015 | This review states that mesh-related complications can include erosion and that mesh explantation may be necessary in some cases |
| van Zanten et al., “Long-Term Mesh Erosion Rate Following Abdominal Robotic Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery,” 2019 | This study was designed to evaluate the long-term mesh erosion rate after abdominal robotic pelvic reconstructive surgery. Long-term follow-up is important because mesh erosion can appear well after the original procedure. |
| Kowalik et al., “Efficacy of Surgical Revision of Mesh Complications in Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence Surgery,” 2020 | This cross-sectional study found that mesh revision surgery alleviated symptoms in 75% of women with mesh-related complications |
| Ward et al., “Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominally Inserted Sacrocolpopexy/Sacrohysteropexy Mesh Complications,” Continence, 2024 | This review is directly about abdominally inserted mesh for sacrocolpopexy/sacrohysteropexy. It states that mesh-removal surgery can carry risks, including urinary tract or bowel injury, recurrent prolapse, major hemorrhage, and difficulty removing all mesh, tacks, or sutures. |
| Haouari et al., “Complications of Mesh Sacrocolpopexy and Rectopexy,” RadioGraphics, 2023 | This radiology review discusses chronic complications such as mesh extrusion or exposure, mesh-related infections that can lead to abscess formation or discitis/osteomyelitis if the infection spreads to the vertebral discs near the sacral fixation point and mechanical bowel obstructions that can occur if loops of the bowel become incarcerated or adhered to the mesh material. |
| Herrera et al., “Complete Transabdominal Excision of Complex Sacrocolpopexy Mesh Erosion,” International Continence Society, 2024 | This clinical abstract reviewed patients who underwent complete transabdominal sacrocolpopexy mesh excision for symptomatic mesh erosion. It says transabdominal excision may be necessary for large erosion, persistent exposure, recurrent infection, or vaginal discharge not responding to conservative care. |
| Long-Term Mesh Exposure 5 Years Following Minimally Invasive Total Hysterectomy and Sacrocolpopexy,” International Urogynecology Journal, 2024 | This study found that mesh exposure risk after minimally invasive total hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy gradually increased over time, reaching nearly 10% after more than five years. Some patients with mesh exposure may require additional evaluation, treatment, or surgical management depending on symptoms and severity. |
Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Y-mesh is used in pelvic organ prolapse surgery to provide structural support for weak or damaged tissue or muscles. Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs (structures located in the lower abdomen or pelvis that handle urinary, reproductive, and bowel function including the bladder urethra, uterus, vagina, cervix, ovaries, rectum and small intestine) weaken, allowing one or more organs to drop out of their normal position.
There are several types of pelvic organ prolapse, depending on the organs involved, including:
- Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele): The most common type of POP is bladder prolapse (cystocele), where the bladder bulges into the front wall of the vagina. Women with this type often experience urinary leakage, urgency, incomplete emptying, or a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvis.
- Uterine Prolapse: Another common form of pelvic organ prolapse is uterine prolapse, which occurs when the uterus descends into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic support. This can cause pelvic heaviness, lower back discomfort, difficulty with intercourse, and sometimes visible tissue at the vaginal opening.
- Vaginal Vault Prolapse: In women who have had a hysterectomy, a similar condition called vaginal vault prolapse may develop, where the top of the vagina drops downward instead of the uterus.
- Rectal Prolapse (Rectocele): Rectocele refers to prolapse of the rectum into the back wall of the vagina. This type often leads to bowel symptoms such as constipation, difficulty emptying the bowels, or the need to press on the vaginal wall to complete a bowel movement. Some women also experience discomfort during sitting or intercourse.
- Small Intestine Prolapse (Enterocele): Finally, some women develop enterocele, where the small intestine pushes into the vaginal space, usually after pelvic surgery.
Many patients do not suffer from just one type of pelvic organ prolapse; multiple organs can prolapse at the same time, creating combined symptoms involving bladder, bowel, and vaginal support.
Recover Compensation For Y-Mesh Injury Claims
Plaintiffs who bring Y-mesh injury lawsuits may be able to recover compensation for injuries suffered, including money damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of wages or earnings due to missed work
- Lost future earning capacity
- Medical care expenses incurred or to be incurred
- Other out of pocket expenses
- Loss of quality or enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish/emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Other possible Y-mesh monetary damages
Time Is Limited To File A Y-Mesh Lawsuit
Various deadlines (called statutes of limitation and statutes of repose) may limit the amount of time that women have to file a Y-mesh lawsuit to try to recover compensation for complications and injuries they claimed to have suffered from Y-mesh products.
This means that if a Y-mesh lawsuit claim is not filed before the applicable time limit or deadline, the injured party may be prohibited from ever pursuing litigation or taking legal action regarding their Y-mesh injury claim. That is why it is important to connect with a Y-mesh injury lawyer or attorney as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries or complications from Y-mesh, including Upsylon, Restorelle, Artisyn, Alyte Y-mesh brands, you may be entitled to recover compensation from a Y-mesh lawsuit case or settlement claim. Contact a medical device injury lawyer to request a free case review.
*If you or a loved one are experiencing health issues, side effects or complications from a medical device (i.e., Y-mesh or pelvic mesh), we urge you to promptly consult with your doctor or physician for an evaluation.
**The listing of a company (e.g., Boston Scientific Corp., Ethicon, Inc., Johnson and Johnson (J&J), Coloplast Corp., C.R. Bard, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, etc.) or product (e.g., Y-mesh, Upsylon mesh, Restorelle mesh, Artisyn mesh, Alyte mesh, etc.) is not meant to state or imply that the company acted illegally or improperly or that the product is unsafe or defective; rather only that an investigation may be, is or was being conducted to determine whether legal rights have been violated.
***The use of any trademarks, tradenames or service marks is solely for product identification and/or informational purposes.
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