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Controversial Medical Device Under Scrutiny

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWGDjvceKIk

A controversial medical device, commonly known as vaginal mesh, is used to help women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), in which stretched, weakened tissues can allow the bladder or other organs to sag or bulge into the vagina, and stress urinary incontinence, which can lead to involuntary leakage with every laugh or cough.

The surgical mesh is nothing new-- it's been used since the 1950s to repair abdominal hernias. Despite its frequent use in the abdominal area, its use in the vagina was never tested on humans. The FDA reported that between 2005 and 2010, almost 4,000 reports of serious complications were reported. We take a closer look.

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This program aired on November 8, 2011.

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