Chapter 13 - Host Response to Biomaterials for Pelvic Floor Reconstruction

Abstract

Biomaterial use in pelvic floor reconstruction has become an area of intense interest. The use of such products has dramatically increased in recent decades and synthetic biomaterials are considered the standard of care for surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders such as stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. While some current urogyecological biomaterials achieve desirable efficacy, others have been met with controversy due to relatively high complication rates. In this chapter, we aim to provide the reader with a thorough understanding of the use of biomaterials in the pelvic floor. Specifically, this text will focus on the anatomy of the pelvic floor, highlighting the role of supportive structures of the female pelvis and the intended functions that biomaterials are expected to perform. In addition, we will detail previous successes and shortcomings in this field and discuss the challenges for biomaterials that must be considered in this anatomic location.