Vaginal mesh is inserted by medical professionals to treat health issues such as incontinence, prolapse and hernias. It is usually placed under the urethra to act as a sling through vaginal procedures, including TVT (trans-vaginal tape) mesh surgery.

There are concerns that little or no information about mesh surgery complications has been provided to those treated and, in some cases, the information provided was incorrect.

There are fears that many of the surgeons that carried out the procedures were inadequately trained surgeons. Surgeons have also been criticized for failing to investigate less intrusive procedures before proceeding with vaginal mesh surgery. Problems can also occur when defective mesh implants are removed. The damage can be life-changing and irreversible.