The Role of Vaginal Mesh Procedures in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery in View of Complication Risk

Ellington, David R.; Richter, Holly E.

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/356960

Obstetrics and Gynecology International

On this page

Abstract Introduction Conclusions References Copyright Related Articles

Review Article | Open Access

Volume 2013 | Article ID 356960 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/356960

The Role of Vaginal Mesh Procedures in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery in View of Complication Risk

David R. Ellington¹and Holly E. Richter¹

Academic Editor: Stephen Jeffery

Received26 Jan 2013

Accepted29 Jul 2013

Published28 Aug 2013

Abstract

Synthetic transvaginal mesh has been employed in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse for more than a decade. As the use of these devices increased during this period so did adverse event reporting. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Public Health Notification informed physicians and patients of rising concerns with the use of synthetic transvaginal mesh. Shortly thereafter and in parallel to marked increases in adverse event reporting within the Manufacturer and User Device Experience (MAUDE), the FDA released a Safety Communication regarding urogynecologic surgical mesh use. Following this report and in the wake of increased medical industry product withdrawal, growing medicolegal concerns, patient safety, and clinical practice controversy, many gynecologists and pelvic reconstructive surgeons are left with limited long-term data, clinical guidance, and growing uncertainty regarding the role of synthetic transvaginal mesh use in pelvic organ prolapse. This paper reviews the reported complications of synthetic transvaginal mesh with an evidence-based approach as well as providing suggested guidance for the future role of its use amidst the controversy.

1. Introduction

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the first surgical mesh product specifically designed for the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in 2001. Surgical mesh in absorbable and permanent forms had been employed in vaginal approaches to pelvic floor surgery for several years. In fact, biologic grafts and synthetic mesh prostheses have been utilized in abdominal repairs for POP since the 1970s [1]. Nonetheless, with an estimated 300,000 surgical procedures performed annually for prolapse as well as an effort to address high recurrence rates (6 to 29 percent) requiring women to undergo reoperation for POP, efforts to improve patient outcomes has led to the development and introduction of materials, including synthetic mesh, to augment gynecologic reconstructive surgical repairs [2–5]. Despite limited evidence-based data and with the perfect storm of manufacturing company promotion, limitations of the FDA 510(k) process, and with the promise of shorter operative times and minimally invasive techniques, synthetic transvaginal mesh use surged with the development of an estimated 100 synthetic mesh devices.

Unfortunately, concomitant to the increased use of vaginal synthetic mesh was an increase in adverse event reporting, specifically medical device reports (MDRs), within the Manufacturer and User Device Experience (MAUDE) database. In October 2008, the FDA issued a Public Health Notification (PHN) to inform physicians and patients of adverse events related to vaginal reconstructive surgical use of synthetic mesh and to provide recommendations on how to mitigate risks and counsel patients appropriately [1].

Over the next three years, the FDA observed a 5-fold increase in the number of MDRs associated with the use of synthetic vaginal mesh in POP surgery. Thus, in response to these reports and with the impetus to address growing concerns for patient safety, the FDA released a Safety Communication reflecting data from a systematic review of the literature addressing the safety, efficacy, and limitations of existing literature for urogynecologic surgical mesh [6].

Since this time, there has been nothing short of an explosion within the literature regarding the impact the FDA release had on patient, physician, and medical device companies, as well as the concerns for the future role of transvaginal mesh within pelvic reconstructive surgery. Currently, 547,000 web responses are noted using the terms “transvaginal mesh” in the http://www.google.com/ search engine, with an alarming number of those responses referencing litigation. This in combination with challenges of patient counseling, not only for planned pelvic reconstructive surgery utilizing synthetic transvaginal mesh, but for those patients who have previously undergone POP surgery with mesh, adds to the complexity of the issue. Thus, gynecologists and pelvic reconstructive surgeons are currently without robust guidelines for the role of mesh in POP surgery and further limited by a lack of high-quality research addressing long-term patient safety and outcomes.

This report presents a review of the major complications of vaginal mesh use in POP surgery, addresses patient selection considerations, discusses patient counseling issues regarding the role of mesh in POP surgery, and reviews national organizational responses to the FDA Safety Communication as well as recommendations for future direction in POP mesh surgery.

2. Complications of Vaginal Mesh Procedures in the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

A wide spectrum of potential complications exist with the use of transvaginal mesh in POP surgery. Rare, but severe complications, including death, fistula formation, and mesh erosion into adjacent organs, have been reported in the MAUDE database. Three of seven deaths were related directly to mesh placement procedures and included two bowel perforations and one hemorrhage [7]. Vesicovaginal fistula formation after the use of synthetic transvaginal mesh in the anterior compartment as well as retrovesical hematoma formation and mesh erosions not simply through the vaginal epithelium but into the bladder has also been reported [8, 9]. Though relatively rare, a thorough understanding of these morbid complications and the subsequent management of them is imperative to the consideration of synthetic transvaginal mesh use in POP surgery.

2.1. Mesh Exposure

Mesh exposure/erosion and pain are the most commonly reported complications. Brill et al. recently summarized POP adverse events as reported from the MAUDE database (Table 1) [1, 10]. Mesh exposure and mesh extrusion are often utilized interchangeably. IUGA and the International Continence Society have stated that the generic use of the term “erosion” does not necessarily describe all clinical scenarios and complications of synthetic transvaginal mesh implantation and therefore have provided a new terminology and classification system for complications involving transvaginal meshes, tapes, and grafts in the female pelvic floor [6]. Within this classification system, an exposure is defined as vaginal mesh visualized through separated epithelium, whereas a mesh extrusion is the gradual passage of mesh out of the body structure or tissue [11]. Rates of mesh exposure and extrusion complications vary in the literature as does the follow-up rates of the outcome studies from which they are obtained. A recent review of over 1,508 prolapse repair procedures using implanted prostheses revealed a 3% reoperation rate for vaginal mesh erosion in 29 of the 858 procedures performed using transvaginal synthetic mesh. Compared to the posterior and apical compartment, mesh erosions, requiring surgical excision, were more commonly seen after anterior compartment transvaginal mesh repairs [12]. In an update to their original systematic review in 2008, the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons (SGS) analyzed 110 studies reporting adverse events associated with vaginal mesh applications in POP surgery and revealed an overall erosion rate of 10.3 percent [13]. Sixteen of the 110 studies reported on wound granulation tissue development and reported an overall rate of 7.8 percent. Rardin and colleagues recently reported transvaginal mesh erosion rates varying from 0 to 25 percent [14]. Exposure rates for level 1 studies range from 5 to 19 percent [15].

2.2. Pain and Dyspareunia

Weber et al. reported a dyspareunia rate of 19 percent following traditional native tissue reconstructive vaginal surgery for prolapse [16]. Dyspareunia rates were reported in 70 of the 110 studies from the SGS review of mesh augmented vaginal repairs with an overall rate of 9.1 percent [13]. Another prospective observational study reported a 20 percent dyspareunia rate after transvaginal synthetic mesh augmentation [17]. As revealed in a recent review of transvaginal synthetic mesh applications for prolapse repair, reported complications of dyspareunia vary from one end of the spectrum to the other [13]. In fact, Nieminen et al. reported a reduction in dyspareunia for patients undergoing transvaginal synthetic mesh anterior wall repairs as compared to traditional anterior repair. Ninety-seven patients were treated with anterior colporrhaphy, and one hundred five were randomized to synthetic transvaginal mesh. The dyspareunia score was lower in the mesh group () [18]. Sentilhes et al. reported no effect of transvaginal synthetic mesh augmentation on sexual function [19]. As noted in IUGA Grafts Roundtable, postoperative vaginal and pelvic pain following either transvaginal mesh or native tissue repairs for POP is difficult to characterized [20]. In a recent review of 23 patients undergoing transvaginal removal of synthetic mesh for mesh-related complications, vaginal pain and dyspareunia were the most noted complications. Excision of synthetic mesh resolved pain in 10 out of the 11 patients [21].

2.3. Mesh Contracture

Another unique complication that is often associated with pelvic pain and perhaps a more morbid sequelae is mesh contraction, a shrinkage, or reduction in the size of the vaginal mesh implant that may lead to mesh prominences or strictures within the vagina [22]. A recent case series reported results of seventeen women undergoing surgical intervention for mesh contraction. All of these women presented with severe vaginal pain and focal tenderness over the contracted portions of the mesh. Furthermore, seven of the seventeen women were noted to have vaginal tightness, and five of the seventeen women reported vaginal shortening [6, 17]. Moore and Miklos discuss the importance of avoiding tension on the levator ani muscle and ligamentous attachments as well as minimizing vaginal epithelium excision and maximizing vaginal estrogen both pre- and postoperatively [23]. Ideal graft augmentation and the avoidance of tensioning can still be complicated by scar tissue formation which may vary from patient to patient.

2.4. Functional Lower Urinary Tract Sequelae

The focus of transvaginal mesh implantation is often upon mesh exposures, extrusions, and related or referred pain; however, it is critical to take into account potential risks to the lower urinary tract. In 2007, a Cochrane review of the surgical management of POP included 22 randomized, controlled trials evaluating 2,368 women and noted that approximately 10 percent of women developed new urinary symptoms after surgery for POP. The meta-analysis included traditional repairs as well as abdominal and transvaginal mesh. The impact of POP surgery on lower urinary tract symptoms was limited and inconclusive [24]. Nonetheless, a recent randomized controlled trial comparing anterior colporrhaphy to transvaginal mesh for POP reported a 3.5 percent bladder perforation in the transvaginal mesh arm and 0.5 percent in the colporrhaphy arm. Furthermore, rates of new stress urinary incontinence after surgery were 12.3 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively [25].

3. The Future Role of Mesh in Surgical Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

3.1. Patient Selection: Potential Benefit

According to the American Urogynecological Society (AUGS) and American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s (ACOG) recent joint committee opinion, vaginal mesh use in POP should be reserved for high-risk individuals in whom the benefit of mesh placement may justify the risk. These individuals were described as those with recurrent prolapse or medical comorbidities that preclude more invasive and lengthier open and endoscopic procedures [26].

Historically, patients with bothersome symptoms related to POP including, pressure, protrusion, discomfort, and those with associated symptoms or impact on urinary, bowel, or sexual function are considered candidates for intervention [27]. Initial marketing of synthetic vaginal mesh was aimed at improved success rates for POP surgery and time-efficient, minimally invasive procedures. Currently, limited level 1 data exists that clearly guides indications to aid in surgical decision making for the use of synthetic transvaginal mesh augmentation in POP surgery.

Authors from the Consensus of the 2nd International Urogynecological Association’s (IUGA) Grafts Roundtable reported that the use of the term “indications” was too strong to employ regarding recommendations reported on the transvaginal mesh use due to the paucity of data in the literature. A summary of potential benefits of synthetic graft use is seen in Table 2 in an adaptation from the terminology used for recommendations from IUGA stratified as “likely to be beneficial,” “possibly beneficial,” “unlikely to be beneficial,” and “not recommended” [20].

Conditions that may be taken into consideration include those in which patients experience repetitive increases in intra-abdominal pressure (chronic bronchitis, chronic constipation, or other frequent Valsalva invoking conditions, such as heavy lifting) [28]. As noted in Table 2, patients with collagen deficiency disorders, denoted as deficient fascia, may also be candidates that would have a likely benefit from transvaginal synthetic mesh repair.

The authors reported that despite the possible circumstances in which mesh use may be appropriate or provide benefit to a patient with POP, they recommend that the patient be fully counseled regarding outcomes and possible complications. Furthermore, as other reviews have demonstrated that there is a timely call for more thorough investigation of surgical mesh use in POP repair, especially studies involving the use of control or native tissue repair arms as well as the inclusion of functional short- and longer-term outcomes with validated symptom and quality of life measures [6].

3.2. Patient Selection: Potential Contraindications

There are no definitive evidence-based guidelines regarding absolute contraindications for the use of vaginal mesh in the surgical treatment of POP. Several studies have demonstrated increased risk of mesh exposure and wound infections with increasing BMI; tissue healing may also be impaired in poorly controlled diabetic patients [29, 30]. Thus placement of a vaginal foreign body may not be prudent or indicated. Smoking is associated with decreased vascularity, poor tissue healing, and increased mesh exposure [31]. In one series in which patients underwent abdominal sacral colpoperineorrhaphy, tobacco users were noted to have a 4-fold risk of developing mesh erosions as compared to nonsmokers [32]. Other conditions that should be considered include chronic steroid use and vaginal atrophy [20]. Although not a contraindication, but quite often a concomitant procedure, hysterectomy at the time of anterior vaginal wall mesh augmentation does pose a significant increased risk for mesh exposure [33].

One additional consideration that has been noted in the literature is that of hypersensitivity reactions to synthetic transvaginal mesh. A case-controlled study that included histological and immunohistochemical analysis of vaginal synthetic mesh explanations in a small population of women noted markers of humorally mediated lymphocytic reaction [34]. Though graft-versus-host reactions are not predictable, caution regarding repeat mesh use should be exercised in women who have had previous reactions to transvaginal mesh implantation.

4. Patient Counseling/Consenting Process

Patient counseling regarding the use of synthetic transvaginal mesh for the treatment of POP must be individualized. It has been recommended by several national organizations that surgeons placing vaginal mesh have a command of pelvic anatomy as well as undergoing training specific to each device as well as experience with reconstructive surgical techniques [35–37]. Thus, it is equally appropriate, for these same surgeons to conduct patient counseling and consenting. AUGS has provided an excellent resource for physicians (http://www.augs.org/informedconsent/) which equips providers with a transvaginal mesh informed consent toolkit. This resource includes background information regarding the FDA releases, rationale for transvaginal mesh in surgery for POP, and overview of risks and considerations, as well as an informed consent checklist and frequently asked questions. Furthermore, physicians can direct patients to AUGS patient site (http://www.voicesforpfd.org/) to promote education and active dialogue during counseling.

5. National Organizational Response to FDA and Future Recommendations

Physicians should continually review the recommendations and publications released by our national organizations regarding transvaginal mesh and POP. Several national gynecological and urological organizations released response statements to provide further guidance amidst the transvaginal mesh controversy following FDA’s 2011 release. The National Association For Continence (NAFC) called for the requirement of consistent, specialized training with credentialing by societies for all surgeons performing procedures to treat stress urinary incontinence and/or POP with or without mesh [38]. AUGS responded in support measures as well, recommending thorough patient informed consent as well as an imperative that surgeons performing vaginal mesh procedures undergo training specific to each procedure [37].

The SGS reported general agreement with the recommendations made by the FDA and highlighted that discriminant use of synthetic transvaginal mesh to augment vaginal defects should be performed by trained surgeons with experience in complex reconstructive surgery and only on patients with perceived unacceptable risk of clinical failure using other nonmesh approaches. Furthermore, SGS in parallel with the FDA called for long-term clinical trials evaluating benefits and safety of vaginal mesh placement [36].

ACOG echoed FDA’s charge for rigorous comparative effectiveness research as well lending support to the formation of an advisory committee, the Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices Panel. ACOG also recommended voluntary physician reporting through the MAUDE database and noted that complications of vaginal reconstructive surgery also occur with nonmesh approaches [35].

The Society for Female Urology and Urodynamics (SUFU) was also broadly supportive of the FDA white paper and also noted that many of the complications of vaginal mesh surgeries also occur in nonmesh procedures. It was recommended that consideration of mesh placement be conducted on a case by case basis with informed discussion. As with ACOG and AUGS, SUFU also supported a review of the FDA 501k approval process [39].

A summary of the recommendations from AUGS and ACOG’s collaborative Committee Opinion, entitled Vaginal Placement of Synthetic Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse, released in December 2011 is seen in Table 3 [26].

6. Conclusions

Maximizing patients’ outcomes and safety while concomitantly minimizing complications is the central concern from which the transvaginal mesh controversy arises. More robust, long-term data and physician-driven event reporting promulgated by the FDA and national gynecological and urological societies will undoubtedly continue to shed light on the future role of transvaginal mesh in pelvic organ prolapse surgery. It is imperative that physicians continue to review the literature, report their own outcomes, and counsel their patients regarding new outcome data, complications, and recommendations from national organizations in women’s health regarding prolapse repair. Surgeons with specialized training in native tissue and use of synthetic mesh augmented repairs and management of complications inherent in both groups should lead this charge of delivering care to women affected by POP.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

Acknowledgment

This work is partially supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to HER 2K24-DK068389.

References

Food and Drug Administration, FDA Safety Communication: UPDATE on Serious Complications Associated with Transvaginal Placement of Surgical Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse, FDA, Silver Spring, Md, USA, 2011, http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm262435.htm.
F. J. Smith, C. D. J. Holman, R. E. Moorin, and N. Tsokos, “Lifetime risk of undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse,” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 116, no. 5, pp. 1096–1100, 2010.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
R. E. Blandon, A. E. Bharucha, L. J. Melton III et al., “Incidence of pelvic floor repair after hysterectomy: a population-based cohort study,” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 197, no. 6, pp. 664.e1–664.e7, 2007.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
J. L. Whiteside, A. M. Weber, L. A. Meyn, and M. D. Walters, “Risk factors for prolapse recurrence after vaginal repair,” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 191, no. 5, pp. 1533–1538, 2004.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
V. W. Sung, R. G. Rogers, J. I. Schaffer et al., “Graft use in transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse repair: a systematic review,” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 112, no. 5, pp. 1131–1142, 2008.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
D. R. Ellington and H. E. Richter, “Indications, contraindications, and complications of mesh in surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse,” Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 276–288, 2013.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
FDA Executive Summary, “Surgical mesh for the treatment of women with pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence,” in Proceedings of the Obstetrics & Gynecology Devices Advisory Committee Meeting, Gaithersburg, Md, USA, September 2011.
View at: Google Scholar
I. Ignjatovic and D. Stosic, “Retrovesical haematoma after anterior Prolift procedure for cystocele correction,” International Urogynecology Journal, vol. 18, no. 12, pp. 1495–1497, 2007.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
B. S. Yamada, F. E. Govier, K. B. Stefanovic, and K. C. Kobashi, “Vesicovaginal fistula and mesh erosion after perigee (transobturator polypropylene mesh anterior repair),” Urology, vol. 68, no. 5, pp. 1121.e5–1121.e7, 2006.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. I. Brill, “The hoopla over mesh: what it means for practice,” Obstetrics & Gynecology News, pp. 14–15, 2012.
View at: Google Scholar
B. T. Haylen, R. M. Freeman, S. E. Swift et al., “An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint terminology and classification of the complications related directly to the insertion of prostheses (meshes, implants, tapes) & grafts in female pelvic floor surgery,” International Urogynecology Journal, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 3–15, 2011.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
J. N. Nguyen, S. M. Jakus-Waldman, A. J. Walter, T. White, and S. A. Menefee, “Perioperative complications and reoperations after incontinence and prolapse surgeries using prosthetic implants,” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 119, no. 3, pp. 539–546, 2012.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
H. Abed, D. D. Rahn, L. Lowenstein, E. M. Balk, J. L. Clemons, and R. G. Rogers, “Incidence and management of graft erosion, wound granulation, and dyspareunia following vaginal prolapse repair with graft materials: a systematic review,” International Urogynecology Journal, vol. 22, no. 7, pp. 789–798, 2011.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
C. R. Rardin and B. B. Washington, “New considerations in the use of vaginal mesh for prolapse repair,” Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 360–364, 2009.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
L. Brubaker, C. Glazener, B. Jacquentin et al., “Surgery for pelvic organ prolapse,” in Proceedings of the 4th International Consultation on Incontinence. Recommendations of the International Scientific Committee: Evaluation and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Faecal Incontinence, pp. 1273–1320, Paris, France, July 2008, http://www.icsoffice.org/Publications/ICI_4/files-book/comite-15.pdf.
View at: Google Scholar
A. M. Weber, M. D. Walters, and M. R. Piedmonte, “Sexual function and vaginal anatomy in women before and after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence,” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 182, no. 6, pp. 1610–1615, 2000.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
R. Milani, S. Salvatore, M. Soligo, P. Pifarotti, M. Meschia, and M. Cortese, “Functional and anatomical outcome of anterior and posterior vaginal prolapse repair with prolene mesh,” BJOG, vol. 112, no. 1, pp. 107–111, 2005.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
K. Nieminen, R. Hiltunen, E. Heiskanen et al., “Symptom resolution and sexual function after anterior vaginal wall repair with or without polypropylene mesh,” International Urogynecology Journal, vol. 19, no. 12, pp. 1611–1616, 2008.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
L. Sentilhes, A. Berthier, F. Sergent, E. Verspyck, P. Descamps, and L. Marpeau, “Sexual function in women before and after transvaginal mesh repair for pelvic organ prolapse,” International Urogynecology Journal, vol. 19, no. 6, pp. 763–772, 2008.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
G. W. Davila, K. Baessler, M. Cosson, and L. Cardozo, “Selection of patients in whom vaginal graft use may be appropriate. Consensus of the 2nd IUGA Grafts Roundtable: optimizing safety and appropriateness of graft use in transvaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery,” International Urogynecology Journal, vol. 23, supplement 1, pp. S7–S14, 2012.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
F. Firoozi, M. S. Ingber, C. K. Moore, S. P. Vasavada, R. R. Rackley, and H. B. Goldman, “Purely transvaginal/perineal management of complications from commercial prolapse kits using a new prostheses/grafts complication classification system,” Journal of Urology, vol. 187, no. 5, pp. 1674–1679, 2012.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
B. Feiner and C. Maher, “Vaginal mesh contraction: definition, clinical presentation, and management,” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 115, no. 2, pp. 325–330, 2010.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
R. D. Moore and J. R. Miklos, “Vaginal mesh kits for pelvic organ prolapse, friend or foe: a comprehensive review,” TheScientificWorldJOURNAL, vol. 9, pp. 163–189, 2009.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
C. Maher, B. Feiner, K. Baessler, and C. M. Glazener, “Surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse in women,” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, no. 4, Article ID CD004014, 2010.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
D. Altman, T. Väyrynen, M. E. Engh, S. Axelsen, and C. Falconer, “Anterior colporrhaphy versus transvaginal mesh for pelvic-organ prolapse,” The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 364, no. 19, pp. 1826–1836, 2011.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , “Committee opinion no. 513: vaginal placement of synthetic mesh for pelvic organ prolapse,” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 118, no. 6, pp. 1459–1464, 2011.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
J. E. Jelovsek and M. D. Barber, “Women seeking treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapse have decreased body image and quality of life,” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 194, no. 5, pp. 1455–1461, 2006.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
L. A. Arya, J. M. Novi, A. Shaunik, M. A. Morgan, and C. S. Bradley, “Pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, and dietary fiber intake in women: a case-control study,” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 192, no. 5, pp. 1687–1691, 2005.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
F. Araco, G. Gravante, R. Sorge et al., “The influence of BMI, smoking, and age on vaginal erosions after synthetic mesh repair of pelvic organ prolapses. A multicenter study,” Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, vol. 88, no. 7, pp. 772–780, 2009.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
C. C. G. Chen, S. A. Collins, A. K. Rodgers, M. F. R. Paraiso, M. D. Walters, and M. D. Barber, “Perioperative complications in obese women vs normal-weight women who undergo vaginal surgery,” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 197, no. 1, pp. 98.e1–98.e8, 2007.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
P. Collinet, F. Belot, P. Debodinance, E. Ha Duc, J.-P. Lucot, and M. Cosson, “Transvaginal mesh technique for pelvic organ prolapse repair: mesh exposure management and risk factors,” International Urogynecology Journal, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 315–320, 2006.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
J. K. Lowman, P. J. Woodman, P. A. Nosti, R. C. Bump, C. L. Terry, and D. S. Hale, “Tobacco use is a risk factor for mesh erosion after abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy,” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 198, no. 5, pp. 561.e1–561.e4, 2008.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
F. Caquant, P. Collinet, P. Debodinance et al., “Safety of trans vaginal mesh procedure: retrospective study of 684 patients,” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 449–456, 2008.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
A. C. Wang, L.-Y. Lee, C.-T. Lin, and J.-R. Chen, “A histologic and immunohistochemical analysis of defective vaginal healing after continence taping procedures: a prospective case-controlled pilot study,” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 191, no. 6, pp. 1868–1874, 2004.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
Response of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to the FDA's 2011 Patient, “FDA safety communication: UPDATE on serious complications associated with transvaginal placement of surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse,” July 2011.
View at: Google Scholar
Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Executive Committee Statement Regarding the FDA Communication, “Surgical placement of mesh to repair pelvic organ prolapse imposes risks,” July 2011.
View at: Google Scholar
American Urogynecologic Society Response, “FDA safety communication: UPDATE on serious complications associated with transvaginal placement of surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse,” July 2011.
View at: Google Scholar
National Association for Continence, “Position statement on the use of vaginal mesh in pelvic surgery,” August 2011.
View at: Google Scholar
Society for Female Urology and Urodynamics Response, “FDA safety communication: UPDATE on serious complications associated with transvaginal placement of surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse,” July 2011.
View at: Google Scholar

Copyright

Copyright © 2013 David R. Ellington and Holly E. Richter. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

PDF Download Citation

Download other formats

Order printed copies

Views

6761

Downloads

2269

Citations