American Medical Service, gynecologist sued over 'Monarc'

A former patient is suing an O'Fallon gynecologist over a surgery intended to treat urinary incontinence.

Cheryl Bergan filed the negligence claim against Dr. Trevor Lineberry and his practice, Women's Care of Southern Illinois, on Nov. 12 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Bergan says she underwent surgery in November 2008 to treat urinary incontinence. Bergan says Dr. Lineberry surgically placed a Monarc subfascial hammock in Bergan's pelvis to treat stress urinary incontinence.

Bergan says Dr. Lineberry failed to inform her of the potential risks of the surgical procedure and then failed to be vigilant and monitor Bergan for possible complications.

Bergan claims she told the surgeon she was having problems, but Dr. Lineberry allegedly failed to realize they were caused by the Monarc that had eroded through the patient's vaginal wall.

The woman says her complications were caused by Dr. Lineberry malpositioning the mesh, failing to realize the problem and then failing to remove the device when the complications began.

As a result of Dr. Lineberry's alleged negligence, Bergan says the mesh ruptured through her vaginal wall which required additional surgeries and resulted in severe and permanent injuries.

Bergan says she has suffered extensive pain, disfigurement, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment. She says she has also paid a substantial amount in medical bills and will be forced to pay for more procedures in the future.

American Medical Systems is also named in the suit. The Minnesota-based company manufactured the Monarc device that was surgically inserted into Bergman's body.

According to the suit, the FDA, in October 2008, warned doctors and patients about complications reported with several mesh products, including those made by American Medical Systems.

Bergan contends American Medial Systems knew the Monarc was "defective and unreasonably dangerous," yet the company allowed it to be used in her procedure. She says the manufacturer also failed to instruct doctors on how to properly place the mesh in a patient's body.

Bergan is asking that each of the defendants pay more than $50,000 in damages.

Attorney Christian G. Montroy of East St. Louis is representing Bergan. They demand a jury trial.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 10-L591