Vaginal Mesh Prolapse Repair Surgery Should be Considered Experimental

A recently released study offers new insight into the effectiveness of transvaginal mesh systems used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The study drew on research conducted on vaginal mesh surgery and its efficacy. While some studies of the vaginal mesh found it to be effective in treating pelvic organ prolapse, the current study noted that the safety and longevity of trans vaginal mesh surgery still needs to be demonstrated. Specifically, the researchers in the study indicated that before being accepted as a traditional treatment for POP, vaginal mesh repair needs further evaluation. The authors of the study also highlighted concerns over the ability to prevent vaginal mesh complications, citing a FDA announcement that more than 1000 vaginal mesh problems had been reported to the agency over a three-year time span. Ultimately, the researchers found that “until adequate effectiveness and safety evidence is available, the use of new TVM devices for prolapse repair should be considered experimental and restricted to use in investigative trials.”

Scientists found that more than 15% of patients implanted with the vaginal sling suffered mesh erosion within three months.

Obstetrics & Gynecology published an article which reported that researchers halted a clinical trial of the TVM systems due to a high rate of vaginal mesh problems. The trial began in 2007 and involved 65 pelvic organ prolapse patients who underwent a mesh repair surgery or colpopexy, a procedure which uses ligaments to help support the pelvic muscles. Two years later, the trial was stopped after scientists found that more than 15% of patients implanted with the vaginal sling suffered mesh erosion within three months.

Mesh erosion is only one of the serious vaginal mesh problems associated with Avaulta and other mesh systems used to treat pelvic organ prolapse repair.