You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Incontinence/Female Urology: Pelvic Prolapse1 Apr 20122147 EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICE PATTERNS OF SYNTHETIC MESH USE Tristan Keys and Gopal Badlani Tristan KeysTristan Keys Winston-Salem, NC More articles by this author and Gopal BadlaniGopal Badlani Winston-Salem, NC More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.2318AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES In light of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's safety update in July 2011 warning of the complications associated with trans-vaginal mesh repair of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), we sought to assess current trends in mesh use by practicing urologists, as well as evaluate their training methodology. Approaches to the surgical management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and POP have experienced several recent paradigm shifts with the introduction of synthetic mesh-based repair procedures. The subsequent advent of commercialized mesh kits has allowed for wide-spread use, and there has been an associated significant increase in the application of these kits for treating POP. Experience of the surgeon has been shown to impact success and complication rates of mesh procedures, but the rapid incorporation of commercial kits into clinical practice may hinder appropriate training and education, leading to higher complication rates. METHODS Current members of the American Urological Association in the United States were sent an anonymous questionnaire in September 2011. The questionnaire evaluated each member's incorporation of mesh in their daily practice, their sources of training for mesh-based procedures, and their opinion on educational programs. RESULTS The questionnaire was sent to 8,008 practicing urologists in the United States, and 1,329 (16.6%) responded. A majority of urologists (86.8%) currently perform synthetic mesh-based procedures, with an average of 5 procedures performed per month (range 0–100). Most of the procedures are surgical correction of SUI, averaging 4.27 procedures per month (range 0-100), as compared to 1.34 procedures per month for POP (range 0–35). Concerning training modalities, 74.4% have received training through an industry-sponsored course, while only 13% have trained at a specialty society course. One-third (31.9%) indicated self-training as an educational source, whereas another third (32.2%) indicated training received primarily during residency and/or fellowship. Lastly, 75.9% believe the AUA should conduct educational courses regarding surgical mesh use for SUI/POP repair, with the highest percentile of responders (19.3%) being “Extremely Interested” in taking such a course. CONCLUSIONS A majority of responders have received training directly from a surgical device company course, demonstrating the large influence held by the manufacturing sector. Complications vary based on training and patient selection. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e867 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Tristan Keys Winston-Salem, NC More articles by this author Gopal Badlani Winston-Salem, NC More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...