Manufacturers of pelvic floor repair system face $1.5 million lawsuit

The manufacturers of a pelvic floor repair system are being sued for $1.5 million by a Louisiana woman, who claims the medical product is defective.

Linda B. Ryan filed suit against Johnson & Johnson Inc. and Ethicon Inc. on Nov. 4 in federal court in New Orleans.

The lawsuit claims that Gynecare Prolift Pelvic Floor System, the Gynecare TVT System, the Gynecare TVT Obturator System, the Gynecare TVT Secure System, the Gynecare Prolift Anterior, Posterior, and/or Total Pelvic Floor System, and the Gynecare Prolift + M Pelvic Floor Repair System are defective.

The products are used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence, the suit claims.

On July 25, 2007, one or more of the Gynecare Systems was used to treat Ryan's symptomatic cystocele, entrocele, rectocele and vaginal vault prolapse. She states the products have resulted in urinary incontinence, dyspareunia, infection, bleeding, erosion of the mesh that is part of the Gynecare Systems, discharge, scarring and vaginal prolapse.

The plaintiff is asking for more than $1.5 million in damages for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, disfigurement, interest and court costs.

Ryan is represented by Ron Riggle and Tracy W. Houck of Houck & Riggle in Ruston. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-02751