The management of vaginal prolapse and stress incontinence mesh
complications in a quaternary mesh complications service in the UK: A
5-year observational study
Abstract
Objective To describe the patient cohort accessing a quaternary pelvic
mesh referral service, identify their requirements and ensure services
can meet their needs. To determine areas of future research. Design
Retrospective and prospective observational study. Setting Quaternary
pelvic mesh complications service in the U.K Population Women
accessing a pelvic mesh complications service over 5 years. Methods
All women attending the mesh complication service between 2018 and 2023
were included. Data was collected on referral rates, demographics, mesh
complications experienced, management options selected, and post
operative complications suffered. Mesh complications were compared
against mesh devices and management options chosen. Results 785 women
were managed in the mesh service over 5 years. Of 765 women with
confirmed mesh devices, 92% (n=707/765) were referred with a painful
mesh complication and 54% (n=416/765) reported pain alone. Fifty eight
percent requested surgical management (n=403/692). Of 288 who received
surgery, 52% (n=150/288) requested complete mesh excision. The
recurrent Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse
(POP) rate was 66% (n=141/215) and 23% (3/13) respectively. Eighteen
percent (n=51/288) experienced a surgical complication however only
0.7% (2/288) were considered serious . Conclusions This study has
identified patients reporting ‘pain alone’ as the commonest patient
cohort attending a UK pelvic mesh centre between 2018 and-2023,
suggesting that mesh associated pain exerts considerable burden on
affected individuals and maybe more prevalent than once thought. This
group has the greatest variation in treatment. Further research is
required to understand the pathophysiology of mesh related pain to
inform effective treatment options.