PD33-09 MESH COMPLICATIONS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO MID URETHRAL SLING POSITION AND MOBILITY ON TRANSLABIAL ULTRASOUND

Abstract

(POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Many patients appear to have misconceptions regarding the use of synthetic mesh. The objective of this study was to evaluate patients’ understanding regarding the use of mesh in female reconstructive surgery. METHODS: A 25 question based survey was prospectively administered to new female patients presenting to a single academic institution specialty clinic. Patients were invited to participate if they were being seen for either SUI or POP. Established patients were excluded from participation. Demographics and responses were recorded and analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact. RESULTS: Surveys were administered to patients from March 2013 to November 2013. A total of 208 surveys were collected. The typical presenting patient was 60 years old, Caucasian (87%), married (62%), with at least a high school education (97%) and not currently employed (59%). The majority of patients (62%) surveyed were being evaluated for urinary incontinence which had not been previously treated. Patients were not necessarily aware of different types of incontinence. 104 patients (70%) obtained most of their information about mesh from television. The majority of patients said they were unsure if mesh used for SUI was different from that used for POP (65%), were aware of the FDA safety communication (61%), and believed there was a recall of mesh (50%). In patients who were aware of the FDA announcement, 58% believed there was a recall (p1⁄40.03). For patients who were unsure about different types of mesh use in SUI/POP surgery, they were also unsure or more likely to believe there was a recall (p<0.001). Patients exhibited a bimodal distribution when asked about their anxiety and concern about mesh use. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of new patients presenting to a specialty female pelvic medicine clinic derive most of their information about mesh from television. Interestingly, those aware of the FDA statement associated this with a recall of transvaginal mesh even though patients were not aware of different mesh types for prolapse or incontinence repair. Furthermore, while 24% of patients had significant concerns about mesh use during surgery, many did not. Based on this study, physicians should educate patients about any misconceptions concerning the use of mesh in female urologic surgery when counseling on treatment for POP or SUI.