Vaginal Mesh Complications

What are Vaginal Mesh Complications?

Vaginal mesh surgery, also known as transvaginal mesh surgery or mesh sling surgery, used for decades to address pelvic organ prolapse, involves the use of surgical mesh implanted within the pelvis. The mesh helps tighten and support weak pelvic muscles and tissues and keeps the pelvic organs from falling and pressing on the uterus or vagina.

Over time, many women who had vaginal mesh surgery have reported a broad range of problems caused by vaginal mesh. In response to the overwhelming number of women who suffered from complications, the FDA ordered manufacturers of surgical mesh to stop selling their products for use in pelvic surgery.

What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Mesh Complications?

Transvaginal mesh complications can cause painful symptoms that can interfere with your daily life and intimate relationships. Symptoms of transvaginal mesh complications include:

• Chronic inflammation
• Infection
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Extrusion of the mesh through the vaginal tissue
• Migration of the device within the pelvis
• Scar tissue
• Bleeding
• Fistula
• Pelvic pain

In some cases, perforation of the bladder or bowel may also occur.

How Can Vaginal Mesh Complications Be Addressed?

Dr. Brown at Alabama UROGYN has extensive experience correcting vaginal mesh complications. Depending on your symptoms and other individual factors, he may recommend:

• Topical estrogen therapy (promotes healing of small mesh exposures)
• Outpatient procedure for partial mesh excision

Severe cases of vaginal mesh complications that involve extrusion of a large amount of mesh or cause chronic pain, infection, or fistula, may require a more complex, inpatient surgical procedure. As the first gynecologist to attain board certification in urogynecology in Baldwin County, Dr. Brown has expertise in performing complete removal of transvaginal mesh. The procedure typically results in permanent symptom relief.

After removing the mesh, Dr. Brown may recommend a safe alternative to correct pelvic organ prolapse. These options include laparoscopic hysterectomy and total laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. 

To put an end to the distress caused by vaginal mesh complications, schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Brown by calling Alabama UROGYN today, or booking online.