Mesh Complications Research Articles

Counselling and treatment for synthetic mid-urethral slings.

Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a condition that affects women worldwide. While treatment options span behavioural therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, continent devices, and surgery, many patients turn to surgical options owing to their longevity and efficacy. The modern midurethral sling (MUS) with synthetic mesh was popularized in the 1990s and has become the gold standard for surgical treatment for SUI since then. In their 2017 Cochrane review, Ford et al. concluded that MUS has a good safety profile and is highly effective. While there are multiple studies looking at efficacy of these slings, the urogynaecological world finds itself at a crossroads (once again) as popular culture has targeted mesh safety (once again) for midurethral surgeries. This past year, American media including 60 Minutes, the New York Times, and a Netflix documentary have reported on both the purported safety concerns of synthetic mesh and profiteers luring women into unnecessary surgical excision of these implants. Because of this, many of our patients have requested biologic and autologous options for their MUS procedures. However, the differences in efficacy and invasiveness between these treatment options and synthetic mesh are dramatic, leaving many surgeons in a difficult predicament regarding an elective surgical procedure. While midurethral slings are a gold standard for treatment, they should not be a one-size-fits-all treatment. What the gynaecologic community needs is more research (i) demonstrating the risk factors for sling complications, which would allow providers to appropriately select ideal patients for these procedures, and (ii) to publicise these results both in the scientific literature and through the media, which have vilified the use of these products. In their article, Clancy et al. bring relevant data that both reinforce the safety of MUS – revision rates were found to be 2.4% in their cohort – but also highlight important preoperative considerations providers should note. Active smoking status, previous hysterectomy, and concomitant prolapse surgery at time of MUS were all found to be independently associated with increased risk for MUS revision/removal. This adds to Unger's case-control study (Unger et al., Int Urogynecol J 2016;27:117–22) also looking at risk factors of MUS revision, which noted concurrent apical repair as a risk factor for revision and that overall revision rates were low (2.7%). Clinicians can use the information from the research of Clancy et al. and Unger et al. when counselling patients about synthetic mesh MUS, risks of mesh complications, and alternative options. We can confidently cite the low revision rates and tailor our treatment for higher risk patients by prescribing vaginal estrogen pre- or post-operatively, or possible staging procedures. As patient advocates and mentors, we need to demonstrate whether the slings we utilize so commonly are indeed safe through more trials such as these, and then publicize these results widely before one of our best and safest treatment options is stripped from us. None declared. Completed disclosure of interests form is available to view online as supporting information. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Association of Transvaginal Mesh Complications With the Risk of New-Onset Depression or Self-harm in Women With a Midurethral Sling

This study evaluates 12 years’ worth of clinical data on transvaginal mesh complications and depression or self-harm in women who received a midurethral mesh sling.

Outcome of surgical management for midurethral sling complications: a multicentre retrospective cohort study.

Suspension of midurethral sling (MUS) surgery in the UK has led to a call for further evidence regarding long-term morbidity and the efficacy of treatments when mesh complications are encountered. We reviewed how many patients who underwent MUS surgery in Teesside, UK, returned to theatre due to a complication and what the outcomes were following this surgical intervention. All patients coded to have undergone an MUS procedure between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014 in Teesside were reviewed retrospectively (n= 924). Case notes were analysed for patients who returned to theatre up until December 2017 due to complications related to their original MUS. Seventy-one of 924 (7.7%) women returned to theatre for some form of surgical intervention. There was a statistically significant difference in return-to-theatre rate between the transobturator and retropubic approach groups (63/661; 9.5%; confidence interval (CI) 7.3-11.8% v 8/263; 3.0%; CI 0.96%, 5.1%, odds ratio (OR) 3.35, p = 0.001); 2.8% (26/924) underwent shortening, reburying, incision or MUS excision; 1.0% (9/924) underwent steroid injection along the MUS tract; 1.7% (16/924) underwent surgical treatment of detrusor overactivity; 3.0% (28/924) required further stress incontinence surgery. The risk of unresolved chronic pain post-MUS surgery following treatment of complications was 0.2% (2/924). Our results show a reassuringly low rate of mesh removal following MUS surgery. Furthermore, outcomes were good following surgical management of MUS complications. We advocate compulsory registration of all MUS procedures, follow-up data and complications to provide robust long-term evidence for the future.

Characterization of the T-cell response to polypropylene mesh in women with complications

Polypropylene mesh is used widely for surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Although these surgeries demonstrate favorable functional and anatomic outcomes, their use has been limited by complications, the 2 most common being exposure and pain. Growing evidence suggests that T lymphocytes play a critical role in the regulation of the host response to biomaterials. The purpose of this study was to define and characterize the T-cell response and to correlate the response to collagen deposition in fibrotic capsules in mesh tissue complexes that are removed for the complications of pain vs exposure. Patients who were scheduled to undergo a surgical excision of mesh for pain or exposure at Magee-Women's Hospital were offered enrollment. Forty-two mesh-vagina tissue complexes were removed for the primary complaint of exposure (n=24) vs pain (n=18). Twenty-one patients agreed to have an additional vaginal biopsy away from the site of mesh that served as control tissue. T cells were examined via immunofluorescent labeling for cell surface markers CD4+ (Th), CD8+ (cytotoxic) and foxp3 (T-regulatory cell). Frozen sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for gross morphologic condition and picrosirius red for collagen fiber analysis. Interrupted sodium-dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis was used to quantify the content of collagens type I and III, and the collagen III/I ratio. Transforming growth factor-β and connective tissue growth factor, which are implicated in the development of fibrosis, were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Data were analyzed with the Student's t tests, mixed effects linear regression, and Spearman's correlation coefficients. Demographic data were not different between groups, except for body mass index, which was 31.7 kg/m2 for the exposure group and 28.2 kg/m2 for pain (P=.04). Tissue complexes demonstrated a marked, but highly localized, foreign body response. We consistently observed a teardrop-shaped fibroma that encapsulated mesh fibers in both pain and exposure groups, with the T cells localized within the tip of this configuration away from the mesh-tissue interface. All 3 T-cell populations were significantly increased relative to control: CD4+ T helper (P<.001), foxp3+ T regulatory (P<.001), and CD8+ cytotoxic T cell (P=.034) in the exposure group. In the pain group, only T-helper (P<.001) and T-regulatory cells (P<.001) were increased, with cytotoxic T cells (P=.520) not different from control. Picrosirius red staining showed a greater area of green (thin) fibers in the exposure group (P=.025) and red (thick) fibers in the pain group (P<.001). The ratio of area green/(yellow+ orange+ red) that represented thin vs thick fibers was significantly greater in the exposure group (P=.005). Analysis of collagen showed that collagen type I was increased by 35% in samples with mesh complications (exposure and pain) when compared with control samples (P=.043). Strong correlations between the profibrosis cytokine transforming growth factor-β and collagen type I and III were found in patients with pain (r≥0.833; P=.01) but not exposure (P>.7). T cells appear to play a critical role in the long-term host response to mesh and may be a central pathway that leads to complications. The complexity of this response warrants further investigation and has the potential to broaden our understanding of mesh biology and clinical outcomes.

47] Management and outcomes of mesh complications in female pelvic floor surgery: Results of the York Mesh Salvage Centre

ObjectiveTo review the management and outcome of complications (erosion, extrusion, pain and obstruction) following urinary incontinence (UI) surgery. Stress UI (SUI) has been treated with synthetic mesh and implants procedures for >20 years with good success rates. A recent review indicated safety and efficacy of mid-urethral slings (MUS) for women with SUI. With increasing public and legal interest in litigation cases related to mesh complications, there is a growing need for surgeons to share their experiences to establish best practice care. York is one of the nationally recognised salvage centres for management of women with mesh-related problems.

The Effect of Medical Consultation on Patients' Concerns Regarding Vaginal Mesh Use in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.

This study sought to determine patients' background knowledge and attitudes towards the use of mesh in pelvic floor reconstructive surgery (PFRS) and the effect of medical consultation on their knowledge and attitudes about mesh use. New urogynecology patients seen for pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence were asked to complete pre-consultation questionnaires involving 12 questions on demographics and knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about the use of vaginal mesh. If PFRS was discussed, a post-consultation questionnaire was administered. A total of 202 new patients were surveyed. Of these patients, 73.8% had heard of vaginal mesh, and most of this information came from a media source followed by their health care provider. A total of 102 of 202 patients completed both the pre- and post-consultation questionnaire. Before medical consultation, patients' "level of concern" on a Likert scale (1 = not at all concerned, 10 = very concerned) was 5.98 ± 3.04. After consultation, the level of concern decreased significantly to 4.25 ± 2.68 (P = 0.00005). Before consultation, 33.3% of patients stated that they would be willing to proceed with surgery using mesh; however, after receiving standardized information on vaginal mesh risks and complications on the basis of the most current information available, 62.8% stated that they would be willing to proceed with mesh if required (P = 0.00001). Almost 75% of patients presenting for urogynecologic consultation had heard of vaginal mesh use, and 55.7% cited the media as their source of information. Medical consultation significantly reduced the patients' level of concern regarding the use of mesh in PFRS and significantly increased the proportion of patients willing to have mesh placed if appropriate.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Biologic and Biosynthetic Mesh in Ventral Hernia Repair: When Are They Worth It?

Biologic and biosynthetic meshes typically cost more than synthetic meshes for use in ventral hernia repair (VHR), with unknown comparative effectiveness. Cost-utility analysis was performed from a limited societal perspective assessing direct medical costs and outcomes for open, elective, retromuscular VHR. Short-term and 5-year major complications and costs were modeled using best available evidence from published studies, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data, and Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative data. Costs were analyzed in 2017 US dollars, and utilities were assessed using quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine threshold probabilities of long-term complications favoring particular mesh types. Synthetic mesh was the preferred strategy, with a cost of $15,620 and QALYs of 18.85, assuming a baseline 5.6% rate of long-term complications for all meshes. One-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that biosynthetic and biologic mesh became the better choice as long-term complication rates for synthetic mesh increased to 15.5% and 26.2%, respectively. Two-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that biologic and biosynthetic meshes became favorable as the cost of biologic mesh decreased and long-term synthetic mesh complication rates increased. Biologic and biosynthetic meshes also became more cost-effective when their relative long-term complication rates decreased and long-term synthetic mesh complication rates increased. Using modeling techniques, synthetic mesh is the best option for retromuscular VHR given currently available evidence. We established long-term complication thresholds, possibly justifying the higher up-front costs for biologic or biosynthetic meshes. This emphasizes the critical need to obtain long-term complication surveillance data to help individualize mesh choice in VHR.

Long-term (8.5 years) analysis of the type and rate of reoperation after transvaginal mesh repair (Prolift®) in 349 patients

ObjectivePolypropylene meshes have specific complications, and in 2016 the Food and Drug Administration required a Premarket Approval for their use in pelvic prolapse repair, as there was a lack of long-term data.Our objectives were to determine the long-term reoperation rates and type in our patients after transvaginal mesh repair and to study their risk factors. Study designWe were able to follow up with 349 patients from a single University Hospital, with phone calls, after a median time of 8,5 years.The 8.5-year reoperation rates were derived from Kaplan-Meier survival curves. ResultsOur global, long-term reoperation rate, including mesh complications, prolapse recurrence and urinary incontinence after a median follow-up of 8.5 years, was 14.5%.The mesh-related complication rate (including mesh exposures, infections, and retractions requiring surgery) was 4.3%, the urinary incontinence rate was 5.7%.The prolapse recurrence rate was 7.2%; mainly found with posterior mesh only (18.5% of reoperations).For total Prolift, the reoperation rate for prolapse recurrence was only 4%. Moreover, 867% of the patients who had an anterior Prolift only or a posterior Prolift only and who were re-operated for prolapse recurrence showed recurrence exclusively in another compartment. In bivariate analysis, only the posterior mesh type was significantly associated with prolapse recurrence versus total meshes. ConclusionDespite their market withdrawal, the transvaginal meshes are a safe and efficient option for pelvic organ prolapse surgical management. Low rates of mesh complications can be achieved with cautious dissection and adequate training of surgeons.

Effectiveness of polypropylene mesh coated bovine amniotic membrane with adhesion barrier (polyethylene glycol) in repair of abdominal wall hernias in rats

This study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of polypropylene (PP) mesh coated bovine amniotic membrane (BAM) with 5% polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 as adhesion barrier in the repair of experimental 2 × 2 cm of abdominal hernias in rats. Rats (32) were divided into 4 groups. A 2 cm × 2 cm defect was created in the full thickness of abdominal muscle on the anterior abdominal wall. PP mesh was implanted in the abdominal cavity (Gr 1 to 4). BAM covered the abdominal face of the graft (Gr 3 and 4). It was given before the abdominal closure 5 ml of 5% PEG 4000 (Gr 2 and 4) and 5 ml of 0.9% NaCl (Gr 1 and 3). After 21 days following the operations, 32 rats were euthanized. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were performed according to the scoring systems. The differences between the groups was evaluated by Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis analysis of variance. Highest adhesion percentage was observed in Gr 1 and lowest in Gr 4. Inflammatory reaction was observed in Gr 1 and 2. According to the results of this study, the combined use of BAM and 5% PEG 4000 was helpful to prevent the complications of PP mesh.

Clinical management of 110 cases of polypropylene mesh and sling exposure after reconstructive pelvic floor surgery

Objective: To explore the clinical management and outcomes of polypropylene mesh and sling exposure after reconstructive pelvic surgery (RPS) . Methods: A total of 110 cases of mesh and sling exposure after RPS were analyzed, who admitted between Jan. 2002 and Oct. 2017 in First Affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital, in which 3 cases were referred from other hospitals. Mesh and sling exposures were identified in the outpatient clinic and categorized and managed according to International Continence Society and International Urogynecology Association (ICS-IUGA) classification about category, time and site (CTS) of mesh complication. Outpatient management included observation, topical estrogen use and mesh removal. Management in hospital included surgical removal of exposed mesh and repair of the resulting defects under the anesthesia. Seventy-four cases were managed in the outpatient setting, and 36 cases required inpatient management. Follow-up was consecutively performed from 1 month to 10 years. Objective outcome included the surgeon's assessment of the healing state of the vaginal mucosa. Subjective outcome was evaluated with patient global impression of improvement questionnaire (PGI-I) . Results: One hundred and ten patients with mesh exposure were classified according to the different RPS underwent. There were 95 cases from transvaginal mesh surgery, 5 cases from anti-stress urinary incontinence sling surgery, and 10 cases from sacrocolpopxy. The outpatient group healed at an average of (3.0±1.8) months. Of the 36 patients who required inpatient management, 21 cases healed completely at an average of 7 days after one surgery. The remaining 8 cases required either two or three times surgeries or conservative management. In the outpatient group, the PGI-I scale very much better was found in 65 cases (87.8%) and much better in 9 cases (12.2%) . In the inpatient surgery group, the scale was very much better in 30 cases (83.3%) , and much better in 6 cases (16.7%) . Conclusions: Among patients with mesh exposure after mesh-augmented RPS, 2/3 of patients with a CTS classification 1-3 could be managed in the office, and remaining 1/3 with CTS classification 4-6 need operation under anesthesia in hospital. If the mesh and sling exposure could be scientifically classified, according to the size, site and accompany symptoms, as well as pain, most of the mesh complications after explosure could be resolved. Using the pelvic floor repair and polypropylene mesh sling, the majority of the patients could get a better outcome, without affecting the effect of the original operation.

Strategies for surgical remediation of the multi-fundoplication failure patient.

Outcomes are not well studied in patients undergoing remediation for multi-fundoplication failure, that is, two or more prior failed fundoplications. Re-operation must balance reflux control and restoration of the ability to eat with the challenge of reconstructing a distorted hiatus and GE junction. The purpose of this study is to present our experience with surgical remediation for multi-fundoplication failure. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed of 91 patients who underwent third time or more esophagogastric operation for fundoplication failure at a single institution from 2007 to 2016. Dysphagia was present in 56% and heartburn in 51%. Median number of prior operations was 2 with range up to 6. Anatomic failure consisted of slipped wrap in 26 cases, wrap herniation in 23, hiatal stenosis in 24, hiatal mesh complication in 8, and wrap dehiscence in 10. Operative approaches generally followed an institutional algorithm and consisted of hiatal hernia repair with: re-do fundoplication in 55%, takedown of fundoplication alone in 24%, Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy in 14%, and GE junction resection in 7%. Laparoscopic approach was successful in 81%. Mean duration of operations was 217min and median length of stay was 3days. The complication rate was 13%, with 7% undergoing unplanned early re-operation. Patients were followed for mean 11months, and recurrent hiatal hernia was detected in 13%. Late re-operation was performed in 6% for recurrent hiatal hernia. Recurrent reflux symptomatology resolved in 93%. Dysphagia resolved in 84%. There were no significant differences in outcomes with regard to number of prior operations, operative approach, BMI, or age. There is no single best approach to remediation in the multi-fundoplication failure patient. Re-do fundoplication is appropriate in over half of patients. Reoperation for multi-fundoplication failure can be performed via minimally invasive approach with excellent remediation of symptoms, low morbidity, and low recurrence rates.

TIGR matrix for implant-based breast reconstruction – a long-term resorbable mesh

ABSTRACTThe use of biological and synthetic meshes to aid implant coverage in implant-based breast reconstruction is well established. This technique allows single stage implant-based reconstruction compared to the traditional technique which required tissue expansion before permanent implant placement and therefore involved two operations for the patient. They can further be used for pre-pectoral implant reconstructions in a similar direct-to-implant strategy.This retrospective observational study by Pompei et al has evaluated the use of TIGR Matrix, a long-term resorbable mesh, in 49 patients with 60 operated breasts for both reconstructive and aesthetic cases. They have reported their operative method and followed up their cases for a mean of 12 months.They have reported a cumulative mesh complication rate of 5.4% and one implant was explanted due to infection. They identified a significant correlation between obesity and mesh-related complications.This study is significant as there remains little data regarding the long term outcomes of resorbable synthetic mesh for breast reconstruction. Their reported complication rates are consistent with those in other studies for synthetic meshes. As synthetic meshes can be significantly cheaper than their biological counterparts, this work could promote more widespread use.

The Disability Impact and Associated Cost per Disability in Women Who Underwent Surgical Revision of Transvaginal Mesh Kits for Prolapse Repair.

The aim of this study was to investigate disability impact in patients and cost to the families of patients who have had complications of transvaginal prolapse mesh kits and underwent surgical revision. Patients who developed complications of transvaginal mesh kits for prolapse and who had undergone vaginal prolapse mesh surgical revision/removal in 2009 to 2014 at a single institution were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes. The group was invited to complete a phone survey pertaining to the initial vaginal mesh used for prolapse surgery utilizing Sheehan Disability Scale (scale 0-10) and Years of life Lived with Disability (YLDs) questionnaires. The data collected were used to estimate the disability and cost analysis. We used our data to estimate the economic and quality-of-life impact of vaginal mesh complications on patients in the United States RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (62/198 [31.2%]) were consented to participate and completed the questionnaires by phone. Extremely disabled patients were 18 (29%) of 62 of whole cases, and 5 (8%) of 62 reported that they had no disability after vaginal mesh surgery. The median for overall disability score after vaginal mesh procedure was 8 (which reflects marked disability on a scale of 0-10). The majority of patients missed a median of 12 months of their school or work because of their mesh complications. Thirty-seven (59.6%) of 62 did not improve after mesh removal. Twenty-one (33.9%) of 62 stated that their family income dropped because of productivity loss related to mesh complications. The mean time between vaginal mesh surgery and mesh removal procedure was 4.7 years. Sheehan Disability Scale scores are significantly correlated with YLDs outcomes. Patients' overall disability score showed a significant correlation with YLDs scores (P < 0.0001). Vaginal mesh for prolapse reduction complications had a sustained disability impact that continued despite mesh removal. Likewise, the complications were associated with increased economic burden on the families of the effected individuals and a drop in the family income in more than one third of the families.

Care Seeking Patterns for Women Requiring a Repeat Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery Due to Native Tissue Repair Failure Compared to a Mesh Complication

ObjectiveTo explore patient migration patterns in patients requiring repeat surgery after Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) repair as there is a limited understanding of care seeking patterns for repeat surgery after POP repair. We hypothesized that undergoing repeat surgery for a prolapse mesh complication would be associated with an increased incidence of migration to a new facility for care compared to those undergoing repeat surgery for recurrent POP. MethodsIn this retrospective population based study, all females who underwent an index POP repair procedure (with or without mesh) at nonfederal facilities who subsequently underwent a repeat surgery (recurrent prolapse repair or mesh complication) were identified from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development for the state of California (2005-2011). The location of index repair and repeat surgery were identified and factors associated with migration were explored. ResultsOf the 3,930 women who underwent repeat surgery for either POP recurrence or a mesh complication, 1,331 (33.9%) had surgery at a new facility. Multivariate analysis revealed that mesh complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, P = 0.004) or native tissue same compartment recurrence (OR 1.19, P = 0.02) were both associated with increased odds of undergoing surgery at a new facility. Having surgery in a county with multiple centers increased the odds of migration to a new facility for care (OR = 1.33, P < 0.001), unless the initial repair was at a high volume institution (OR = 0.32, P < 0.001). Overall across indications, women changing locations for their second surgery tended to migrate toward select centers in urban areas. CONCLUSIONWomen who undergo repeat surgery after POP repair have similar patterns of migration to a new facility irrespective of the indication for surgery.

Translabial US: Preoperative Detection of Midurethral Sling Erosion in Stress Urinary Incontinence.

Purpose To evaluate the performance of translabial (TL) US in preoperative detection of sling erosion into pelvic organs with cystourethroscopic and surgical correlation. Materials and Methods The study cohort included women who underwent surgery at a subspecialty center (from 2008 to 2016) for suspected mesh complications in the setting of previous midurethral sling placement for stress urinary incontinence (from 1999 to 2012) with available preoperative TL US imaging. Clinical information, the finding of sling erosion identified intraoperatively and at cystourethroscopy, and blinded dual-reader radiologic analysis of the TL US studies for mesh location (intraluminal, mural, or extramural) relative to pelvic organs (bladder, urethra, vagina, or rectum) were evaluated. The diagnostic performance of TL US was correlated with the reference standard of surgical findings. The consensus of two radiologists was recorded, and interobserver agreement was evaluated with the κ statistic. Results Of the 124 women who were suspected of having sling erosion (mean age, 57.5 years ± 11.1 [standard deviation]), 15 women (12.1%) had sling erosion into the urethra or bladder at surgery. Sensitivity and specificity for erosion at TL US were 53% (95% confidence interval: 45%, 62%) and 100% (95% confidence interval: 97%, 100%), respectively, when erosion was defined as only intraluminal mesh products. Sensitivity and specificity for erosion at TL US were 93% (95% confidence interval: 89%, 98%) and 72% (95% confidence interval: 65%, 80%), respectively, when erosion was defined as visualizing either intraluminal or intramural mesh products. Interobserver agreement (κ value) was 0.95. Cystourethroscopy had 67% sensitivity and 100% specificity for sling erosion. Conclusion Preoperative translabial US can be used to detect sling erosion into the lower urinary tract, with sensitivity up to 93% and specificity up to 100%. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Benson and Phillips in this issue.

Mesh-related complications from reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in Chinese patients in Hong Kong.

Mesh-related complications from reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse are of international concern. The present study aimed to review the incidence, management, and surgical outcomes of mesh-related complications in a Chinese population compared with existing studies involving Western populations. This was an analysis of a prospectively collected cohort. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, laparoscopic hystercolposacropexy, or transvaginal mesh surgery were offered with or without concomitant vaginal hysterectomy or continence surgery. Patients were followed up and mesh-related complications were noted. Overall, 276 Chinese women who received mesh surgery were included for data analysis. There were 22 mesh-related complications found during a mean follow-up period of 40 months. Mesh exposure accounted for 20 these complications; significantly more occurred after transvaginal than after abdominal mesh surgery (16 vs 4; P=0.01). Median duration from primary operation to the time of mesh exposure detection was 12 months (interquartile range=4.8-32.8 months). Ten patients required surgical excisions of exposed mesh. The re-operation rate after mesh complications was 6.7% (9/134) for transvaginal mesh surgery and 1.4% (2/142) for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (P=0.03). All excisions were performed transvaginally and 95% remained well after surgery. Occurrence of mesh exposure was higher in transvaginal mesh surgery (adjusted odds ratio=6.1; P=0.008), in sexually active patients (adjusted odds ratio=5.4; P=0.002), and in obese patients (adjusted odds ratio=3.7; P=0.046). Over 90% were satisfied with the outcome, regardless of mesh complications. The rates of mesh exposure and re-operation were consistent with those reported in the literature, suggesting no significant differences in outcome between Chinese and Western patients for this type of surgery.

Effects of mesh-related complications in vaginal surgery on quality of life

Introduction and hypothesisVaginal mesh surgery is subject of debate due to the impact of mesh-related complications on patient’s lives. Not all of these complications are symptomatic. Restoration of the anatomy and improvement of pelvic floor function as a result may counter the experienced discomfort related to adverse events. We hypothesized that health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) is comparable in women after vaginal mesh surgery regardless of the presence or absence of a mesh-specific complication.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 128 women who had vaginal mesh surgery in a Dutch university hospital between 2007 and 2012. HR-QoL was measured in women with and without mesh complications using standardized QoL questionnaires Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ), Defecation Distress Inventory (DDI), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Complications were scored according to the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) complication classification. Comparisons between groups were performed with Student’s t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.ResultsIn 29 (23%) women, a mesh-related complication occurred. The domain scores of the UDI-6, DDI, IIQ, and PISQ showed no statistically significant differences between women with and without a mesh-related complication. A post hoc analysis showed similar HR-QoL for those in whom the complication had been resolved and those with persistent symptoms of the complication.ConclusionMesh surgery imposes specific complications. When counseling patients about the potential adverse events related to vaginal mesh surgery, it is important to inform them that mesh-related complications do not negatively affect QoL related to micturition, defecation, and sexual functioning.

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is as safe in septuagenarians or elder as in younger women

BackgroundData concerning laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP) in elder women are scarce. We compared intra-operative and early-postoperative complications associated with laparoscopic colpo-, cervico-, or hysteropexy in women under and above 70 years.MethodsRetrospective assessment by an independent investigator of a prospective cohort of 571 consecutive women undergoing LSCP in a tertiary unit over an 18-year period. Data included were patient demographics, operative variables, intra-operative, and early (≤ 3 months) postoperative complications. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and mesh complications categorized using the International Urogynaecological Association (IUGA)-classification.FindingsMedian age was 66 (IQR 15, range 27-91) and 204 (35.7%) patients were older than 70 years. There were no deaths. Strategic conversion rate was 2.3% (13/571), the majority because of extensive adhesions yet early in our experience. Reactive conversion rate was 0.7% (4/571). Among 554 patients who had a completed LSCP, there were 20 intra-operative complications (3.6%), mostly bladder (1.3%) and vaginal (1.1%) injuries. Eighty-four patients had a total of 95 early-postoperative Dindo ≥ II complications (15.1%). Most common complications were infectious and treated medically (Dindo II). Clinically major complications are rare (III = 3.1% and IV = 0.2%). Reoperation for suspected bleeding (IIIb = 0.7%) was the most common reintervention, typically without demonstrable cause. Most mesh complications were vaginal exposures. Septuagenarians were not more likely to have an intra-operative (4.0 vs 3.3% < 70 years, p = 0.686) or early-postoperative complication (13.6 vs 16.0% < 70 years, p = 0.455) than younger patients. Mesh complications were also equally uncommon.ConclusionsLSCP is as well-tolerated by women above 70 years as by younger women.

Preoperative and Surgical Risk Factors for Complications Requiring Sling Revision or Removal after Midurethral Sling Procedures: a Case-Control Study

Objectives: Midurethral sling (MUS) surgery is the most commonly performed procedure for treatment of stress urinary incontinence worldwide. Approximately 3% of patients undergoing incontinence surgery with mesh require re-operation for mesh complications within 10 years. We sought to identify patient characteristics and surgical factors predictive of complications requiring MUS revision/removal.

Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women with Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

The purpose of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology of neurogenic SUI in the female patient, examine the evidence supporting surgical and non-surgical treatment options, and outline our recommendations for the care of this population. AFPVS appears to be more efficacious than MUS for this group; however, almost all patients will require self-catheterization after surgery. MUS have a higher probability of maintaining spontaneous voiding but also care the risk mesh complications and higher failure rates. Bladder neck AUS placement may also be considered, but most studies show high reoperation rates and have only a few female subjects. In severe refractory cases of SUI or in the setting of urethral erosion, bladder neck closure has been shown to have good continence outcomes. SUI in the setting of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is often more severe and harder to address than non-neurogenic SUI, due in part to the high rates of ISD in this population. Patients should be screened for other causes of urinary incontinence with UDS prior to any invasive interventions. AFPVS is an appropriate first-line therapy for these patients, particularly in individuals who already perform self-catheterization. Finally, in the setting of moderate to severe urethral erosion, bladder neck closure or urinary diversion should be strongly considered.