Complications of transvaginal monofilament polypropylene mesh in pelvic organ prolapse repair

Abstract

This study aimed to document intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with the use of transvaginal polypropylene mesh in the repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This is a retrospective review of 127 cases of transvaginal repair of POP using synthetic mesh. Mean postoperative value (+/-SD) for pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) measurements Aa, Ap, and C were: -2.4 +/- 1.1 (cm), -2.4 +/- 0.9 (cm), and -7.7 +/- 1.2 (cm), respectively. The difference between preoperative and postoperative values of these points was significant (p < 0.0001). Mesh erosion rate was 13/127 (10.2%) with significant correlation between mesh erosion and concurrent vaginal hysterectomy (p = 0.008). Combined anterior and posterior vaginal mesh surgery increased the risk of intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion (p < 0.05). Concurrent vaginal hysterectomy is associated with increased risk of vaginal mesh erosion. Combined anterior and posterior vaginal mesh repair is an increased risk factor for intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion.