Associations of victims of complications related to gynecological implants appealed to political leaders on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, about their suffering, not hiding their strong emotion the day after the death by euthanasia of the actor Arnaud Denis.
“ Who can imagine that in France, in 2026, people will die from complications following the insertion of polypropylene implants intended to treat incontinence, prolapse, or hernia?», said Karine Prou, co-president of the Diva association which supports victims of polypropylene vaginal implants.
“ There are forms of pain that lead to euthanasia or suicide«" she warned during a round table on gynecological medical devices, organized by the social affairs committee of the National Assembly, showing, her voice choked, the portraits of "Elise" and "Karine", two women victims of these implants and "' who took their own lives“.
Complications can arise, particularly those related to a reaction of the body or incorrect placement.
“ We are thinking of Arnaud Denis, 43, who passed away yesterday. »and who« In recent days, she (…) received the same sentence as the 140 plaintiffs in the vaginal implant case. A dismissal without further action, incomprehensible.«" she exclaimed.
Severely disabled after the insertion of a polypropylene anti-hernia implant, actor Arnaud Denis, who had created a collective warning about their dangers, was euthanized on Tuesday in Belgium at the age of 43, to end his suffering.
These polypropylene devices are also used to treat incontinence or prolapse.
Complications—due in particular to the body's reaction or improper placement—range from urinary tract infections and injuries to chronic pain that prevents walking, sitting, and sexual intercourse. These devices gradually become integrated into the tissues, and their removal, which is difficult, can be disfiguring.
“ This health scandal directly affects women's privacy and health. Thousands of patients are condemned to isolation and shame; it's unbearable.«", exclaimed Ms. Prou.
Vaginal implants: 140 women's complaint dismissed
“ In France, there's a lack of serious consideration for the problem, which is surprising given that abroad, convictions have been handed down and laboratories have been found guilty. And here in France, we're told, "Move along, there's nothing to see here."«" she lamented.
“ Pelvic pain, neuropathy, sexual, urinary, or digestive problems, difficulty walking, sitting, or working. These complications can be profoundly debilitating. Some women experience symptoms immediately or shortly after insertion, while others experience them several years later.«" , stressed Anne-Laure Castelli, president of the Balance ta bandelette association.
Arnaud Denis's complaint was dismissed.
In a letter addressed to Arnaud Denis, the Paris prosecutor's office justified its decision: «"While chronology and reasoning by elimination suggest a possible link between your symptoms and the implantation of the medical device, the absence of a proven causal link established on scientific grounds, as required by criminal law, prevents the investigation of a criminal offense against both the manufacturer of the prosthesis and the doctors who prescribed and implanted the device."».His lawyer, Mr. Courtois, however, filed a new complaint on September 18 with a civil claim, in order to obtain the opening of a judicial investigation.
Devices that integrate with the tissues and complicate their removal
«"In France, there is a failure to take the problem seriously, which is surprising when you consider that abroad, convictions are handed down and laboratories have been found guilty. And here in France, we are told..."« Move along, there's nothing to see here«" she lamented.
NUMBERS According to Pierre Debuisson, lawyer for the French Victims of Hernia Prostheses collective, more than 200,000 such operations are performed each year in France. Based on the studies he cites, 5 to 10% of patients could suffer permanent side effects, representing at least 100,000 victims. Other studies suggest a proportion of 10 to 20%, which would bring the number of potential victims to between 100,000 and 300,000. To date, 216 reports have been filed with the ANSM (French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety), and Mr. Debuisson states that he has been contacted by more than 500 victims.
“ Pelvic pain, neuropathy, sexual, urinary, or digestive problems, difficulty walking, sitting, or working. These complications can be profoundly debilitating. Some women experience symptoms immediately or shortly after insertion, while others experience them several years later.«" , stressed Anne-Laure Castelli, president of the Balance ta bandelette association.
“ We demand the recognition and study of chronic pain syndrome associated with pelvic implants.«" she added. According to her, "« Over 100 French women have already traveled to the United States at their own expense for an explantation.“.
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