Though surgical mesh is an often-used treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, some women experience complications from mesh surgery. John Devine, MD, an expert urogynecologist at the Center for Urogynecology and Female Pelvic Health in Venice, Florida, offers evaluations and complex surgical treatments for women with complications from mesh. To schedule a consultation, call the office or request an appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat is a surgical mesh?
Surgical mesh is a material some surgeons use to treat pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. Made from non-absorbable polymers, the screen-like device provides tissue support.
For pelvic prolapse, surgical mesh reinforces the vaginal wall to prevent the pelvic organs from falling into or out of the vagina. For stress urinary incontinence, the surgical mesh supports the urethra or bladder neck to reduce symptoms.
Due to an increase in reports of complications from mesh in women, the FDA ordered manufacturers to stop selling and distributing surgical mesh devices for pelvic organ prolapse in 2019.
Dr. Devine has never used surgical mesh for his pelvic repairs, but instead uses a human biologic material. Women who have had mesh placement often experience complications, which Dr. Devine can help resolve.
What are the potential complications from mesh?
Surgical mesh devices for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence each carry a risk of potential complications. Common complications from mesh include:
- Wearing down (erosion) of the vaginal surgical mesh
- Erosion of mesh into other organs
- Mesh poking through the vaginal skin
- Shortening of the vaginal mesh over time
- Infections
- Urinary problems
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Return of pelvic organ prolapse
Not everyone with a surgical mesh repaired develops complications. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms or simply have concerns, Dr. Devine can help.
What happens at a consultation for complications from mesh?
Dr. Devine is a fellowship-trained urogynecologist with years of experience diagnosing and treating pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. When you visit the Center for Urogynecology and Female Pelvic Health for a mesh complications consultation, you can expect a patient-focused and comprehensive exam.
To ensure he has an adequate amount of time to gather all the information he needs, Dr. Devine schedules long appointment times for all first-time patients and patients looking for answers to explain their gynecological or urogynecological symptoms.
During your consultation, he asks detailed questions about your symptoms. He also asks about your surgical history, as well as your gynecological and medical history. Then he performs a physical and pelvic exam.
To assess the placement of your mesh, he may request diagnostic imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI.
What are the treatments for complications from mesh?
Dr. Devine performs complex surgical treatment for complications associated with the placement of a vaginal mesh. The specifics of your surgical intervention may depend on the type of complication you’re experiencing.
During surgical intervention, Dr. Devine may remove the vaginal mesh and correct any related soft-tissue complications. He may need to perform additional procedures even after he’s removed the defective mesh device.
To schedule a consultation at the Center for Urogynecology and Female Pelvic Health to discuss treatment options related to vaginal mesh complications, call the office or request an appointment online today.