Things to know about Vaginal Mesh Implants

Damaged tissue may be repaired and reinforced with a medical device called surgical mesh. Mesh material, which is made of synthetics, does not get completely absorbed by the body; thus, it is called permanent. Absorbable biologic material meshes like acellular collagen are derived from bovine or porcine sources which the body can break down over time. composite material, which may also be used for vaginal mesh, is made from a combination of biologic and synthetic materials. 

 

Repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are some of the urogynecologic procedures the vaginal mesh device treats.

 

The weakened vaginal wall is implanted with the mesh to support the urethra in POP patients. The bladder neck of SUI sufferers is reinforced with a “sling” to prevent it from relocating.

 

Recent analysis has shed new light on adverse effects due to the synthetic material used in such medical devices. These devices which were supposed to treat and correct the displacement of various vaginal organs in women have had numerous negative feedback. The commonly used synthetic vaginal mesh was issued with a new warning by the FDA. Around 2,800 women were affected since the first warning issued in 2008 and three years prior to the latest warning from the FDA, more than 1,000 reports of complications due to vaginal mesh usage added to the count.

 

The new warning states that although it is common to report adverse events following an FDA safety update, there is still concern regarding the number of adverse event reports remaining to be high. Bleeding, infection, urinary infections, bladder or bowel perforation, painful urination, Fistulas, narrowing of the vaginal wall, mesh shrinkage, mesh migration, painful sexual intercourse for both partners, recurrence of incontinence, recurrence of either POP or SUI, or both, tightening of the vagina and the most common complication, erosion are usually what’s reported.

 

Even though reviews for improving the vaginal mesh are under way, University of Utah Health Care officials are concerned of the inadequate education given to patients on the matter which are making the situation even more abominable. The FDA is encouraging professionals to obtain specialized training for the mesh placement techniques and to be aware of the repercussions. Different means of treating POP without cutting the body open are available and that is what the FDA urges sufferers to try.

 

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