The BBC has reported that patients who have undergone “bowel mesh” surgery for conditions including a prolapsed bowel are experiencing excruciating pain as a result of surgery. Most of the patients were treated, using mesh to fix prolapsed bowels, by Tony Dixon, who was later dismissed by Bristol’s Southmead Hospital.

A prolapsed bowel is a condition whereby the bowel moves or slips out of place.  This can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and can also affect day-to-day life. Causes include being overweight, pregnancy, an enlarged prostate and other conditions which make a person cough alot such as cystic fibrosis. Symptoms include discomfort, pain, constipation, being unable to control bowel movements and having blood or mucus from the bowel area.

The condition is treated depending on the type of prolapse, either with surgery or non-surgically.  The non-surgical options include reducing the prolapse, where the doctor will try to push the prolapse back in and diet changes such as eating foods which are high in fibre to reduce constipation.  Surgery includes what is known as a “Rectoplexy”, which can be performed by open surgery involving a cut through the abdomen and fixing the rectum back into place. Surgical mesh can be used for support.

It is reported that most patients make a good recovery from a Rectoplexy however there are some complications which include pain, recurrence of the prolapse, bowel obstruction, bowel incontinence, damage to organs or nerves and a change to bowel habits.

The NHS provides specialist centres for patients who have had surgery involving the use of mesh, however these do not include those who have had a Rectoplexy. Many patients who have had this procedure involving mesh report suffering from unbearable pain described as “razors inside the body” and have not been provided with access to a specialist centre to receive further treatment.

A spokesperson for the NHS has said that “The NHS is aware of the issues raised by men and women regarding rectopexy and, working with patient groups, we are reviewing the most appropriate treatment for anyone affected.”

Moosa-Duke Solicitors have many years’ experience in representing clients who have experienced pain and suffering caused by surgical procedures. If you believe that you or a loved one have suffered as a result of substandard care, please feel free to call us on 0116 254 7456 for a no obligation discussion.