The ProteGen sling is a synthetic polymer implant introduced in April of 1997 as a treatment for feminine urinary stress incontinence. Urologists implanted the sling underneath the bladder to provide support and reduce stress that can cause incontinence. Instead of providing relief, the device often caused numerous complications including erosion of the vaginal wall, dehiscence (splitting of the tissue), infection, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, foul odor, and other problems. In January of 1999 Boston Scientific Corporation, the manufacturer of the ProteGen, recalled the product due to the unusually high number of complications.

In the December 1999 edition of The Journal of Urology, a group of respected urologists from across the United States reported a high rate of complications such as tissue erosion and urethral erosion in patients who had the ProteGen sling placed.

Many women implanted with the ProteGen sling are not aware of the potential complications because Boston Scientific only recalled unused slings. Women who have been implanted with a synthetic sling should visit their urologist to identify the type of sling used and discuss potential complications.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a vaginal sling, call O'Neill Kellner & Green at 802-865-4700 or click here to submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations so please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.