Mr Arunkalaivanan (‘Arun’) Claims

Mr Angamuthu Arunkalaivanan (known as Mr ‘Arun’), a consultant uro-gynaecologist who primarily worked at City Hospital, Birmingham, is currently under scrutiny following concerns over patient safety. Our solicitors could help you claim compensation if you've sustained an injury following treatment by Mr Arun.

There are concerns that Mr Arun has wrongly been implanting synthetic trans-vaginal meshes (TVMs) to treat a condition known as “pelvic organ prolapse” (‘POP’) in women. The use of TVMs carries the risk of serious injury for the patient and there are a number of alternative treatments that Mr Arun could have used.

In 2009, the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital NHS Trust instructed its staff to only implant TVMs as a last resort due to international doubt about the safety and effectiveness of the devices. In particular, NICE, the regulating body for health technology in England and Wales, has stated that there is ‘insufficient information’ about the safety of TVMs. Mr Arun may have disobeyed this instruction and continued using TVMs as a ‘first line’ treatment instead of safer alternatives.

The Trust has now written to over 200 Birmingham patients regarding these concerns. Mr Arun also practiced privately at the Edgbaston Hospital and the Priory Hospital. If you’ve been written to or think you have received substandard care from Mr Arun at any of these hospitals, you may be able to make a compensation claim.

Our specialist lawyers have a great deal of experience of clinical negligence claims. In addition, the lawyers handling cases against Mr Arun have specialist experience with TVM claims and are already involved in claims against some of the manufacturers of these products.

We can help you get the compensation you deserve for any injuries that Mr Arun’s treatments have caused and any ongoing health problems they cause in the future. Call our team on 0800 121 6567 or contact us online for more information.

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Mr Arunkalaivanan Claims - More Information

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They were always there to answer my questions and queries when I was at my most vulnerable and they persevered to obtain the best possible result."

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where Does The Medical Community Stand On TVMs?

The use of mesh is controversial to many in the medical community because there is so little information about the long-term use and risks of the mesh product.

NICE, the regulator for health technology used in England and Wales, has stated that "insufficient information" is available about the effectiveness and safety of trans-vaginal mesh use in prolapse surgery in women, and has called for a review. Scottish health ministers have called for TVMs to be banned or their use suspended.

In Europe, the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) has recommended that, due to the risks posed, trans-vaginal mesh surgery should only be used when other surgical options have either failed or are expected to do so.

The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) in the USA issued a public health notification to medical professionals in 2008 warning of serious TVM complications such as erosion, pain, discomfort, recurrent prolapse problems and incontinence, amongst others. In 2011 the FDA issued an update advising that these complications are “not rare”. They have re-categorised TVMs from Class II to Class III, which indicates they pose a higher risk to patients.

Some studies have found that trans-vaginal mesh is associated with a high rate of complications, with a risk of over 30% of patients becoming permanently disabled or experiencing long term symptoms, even with complete mesh removal. Similarly, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) advised in 2013 that the risks and benefits of mesh are unclear and it is currently recommending that operations using mesh are only performed as part of an audit.

In light of this mounting concern, many NHS Trusts have taken the decision not to offer trans-vaginal mesh as a first surgical repair treatment when pelvic organ prolapse has occurred. This was the concern and the decision taken by Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospital NHS Trust.

What Symptoms Are Associated With Trans Vaginal Meshes? (TVMs)?

Trans-vaginal meshes (TVMs) are products historically used by specialist uro-gynaecological surgeons when treating a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse in women.

Potential symptoms that TVMs can cause include:

Pain and discomfort
Bleeding
Erosion of tissue
Perforation into surrounding organs
Difficulty having sexual intercourse
Recurrent prolapse
Incontinence

It has been found that the removal of the mesh to try and improve symptoms has also proved to be difficult, since the mesh was designed to stay in the body indefinitely. Patients often need several revision surgeries to attempt to remove the mesh. In many circumstances, complete removal is not possible.

If you have suffered any of these symptoms following treatment by Mr Arun, you may be able to make a compensation claim. Call our specialist team on 0800 121 6567 to find out more.

Why Choose Irwin Mitchell For A Claim Against Mr Arun?

Our medical negligence and product liability solicitors have worked with victims of defective medical products and negligent medical practitioners for many years, and we understand the physical difficulties, anger and lasting trauma this can cause.

We also understand that it can be difficult to know who is to blame and who ought to be held accountable for your illness or injury. In these situations, it helps to have the experts on your side – if you've suffered because of the actions of Mr Arun, we'll work tirelessly to make sure you receive all of the support, advice and care you need while we help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Helping our clients access medical care and support, including physiotherapy and surgery, as well as mobility aids and home modifications, is as important to us as pursuing financial compensation. This support is essential for adapting to life after an injury, and our approach has seen us win Post Magazine’s Rehabilitation Award for Claimant Solicitors on seven occasions.

If you have any questions about making a claim, or how we can help, then please don't hesitate to give us a call today on 0800 121 6567 or contact us online for a free initial consultation on your case. We'll discuss your situation with you, and give you our expert advice on your options. We're here to help.

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