Should you have surgical mesh removed?
You may have read about complications related to the use of surgical mesh and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 2019 order to mesh manufacturers about immediately ceasing sale and distribution in the United States.
If you have had a procedure that involved the use of surgical mesh, here is what you should know.
The recent concerns about mesh risks are primarily linked to transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse surgery.
We now know that the risk of complications for transvaginal repair can be high. After this particular surgery, many women report serious complications such as infection, pain, urinary problems, vaginal scarring, and urinary incontinence. Plus, in some women, the mesh has dislodged and moved into the surrounding tissue where it can erode into those tissues and damage organs.
Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration is requiring mesh makers to conduct further tests. These companies must provide stronger proof on the safety and effectiveness of this type of mesh device.
Women who have had transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse surgery may consider mesh removal surgery.
Transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse surgery uses a permanent mesh material. Over time, body tissues grow into the holes of the mesh to help hold it in place. If the mesh has shifted position, it may be embedded in other body tissues and pelvic organs.
Complications of the mesh can include persistent vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic or groin pain, and pain with sexual intercourse. If the side effects of the mesh device are so severe that they outweigh the benefits, you and your doctor may consider mesh removal surgery.
Surgery to remove transvaginal mesh is very complex. It requires a highly trained surgeon with special knowledge of the pelvic anatomy and experience with pelvic organ prolapse surgery. The surgeon may attempt to remove as much of the mesh as possible and repair damaged organs. For many women, more than one surgery is required to fully repair the pelvic area.
Risks for the mesh used to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse transabdominal surgery are low.
It is less likely that a woman who has had either of these surgeries will need to have the mesh removed.
If you have serious complications related to surgical mesh, talk with your surgeon about having the mesh device removed. Take time to review the risks and benefits with your surgeon.
For more information, visit https://www.voicesforpfd.org/
