ACC vows to review surgical mesh claim

An ACC claim for a surgical mesh procedure that led to major health problems will be independently reviewed next year.

Jodene Kyne has experienced sexual dysfunction and incontinence since undergoing a mesh procedure in 2017 – despite the mesh being removed in 2018.

The procedure was carried out to repair a botched hysterectomy that had caused a bowel hernia, severe infection and nerve damage, but things went wrong straight away.

Kyne’s ACC claim to treat terminal detrusor overactivity and stress urinary incontinence was recently declined.

An ACC spokesman said Kyne’s claim was declined because medical evidence showed her stress urinary incontinence was a pre-existing condition, but her case will be reviewed independently next year.

‘‘We acknowledge this has been a long and difficult journey for Jodene,’’ ACC said.

‘‘The experiences of people like Jodene and the complex health issues faced by people harmed by surgical mesh have driven and informed the Ministry of Health’s restorative justice process, which we fully support.’’

A recent multi-agency meeting that included the ministry and ACC acknowledged the severity of harm caused by surgical mesh, following a forum where more than 600 victims shared their experiences.

Ministry chief medical officer Andrew Simpson said all parties agreed there was ‘‘a need’’ to work together to restore well-being for those who have been affected and to reduce and prevent future harm.

Kyne is just one of thousands of New Zealanders who have experienced complications from surgical mesh procedures.

Mesh implants are used in surgery to strengthen weakened internal structures.

But the implants have resulted in stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and hernias for thousands of patients.

Complications from surgical mesh can occur if the mesh erodes or becomes displaced. They can continue even after the mesh has been surgically removed.