Long-term follow-up of persistent vaginal polypropylene mesh exposure for transvaginally placed mesh procedures.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS:

The surgical treatment of a cystocele via the vaginal route may require the placement of a synthetic mesh below the bladder. However, the placement of a synthetic mesh via the vaginal route can be associated with specific complications, such as vaginal mesh exposure. There is a lack of data concerning the long-term follow-up of asymptomatic persistent vaginal polypropylene mesh exposure.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective case series of nine patients presenting with persistent vaginal mesh exposure following the placement of a macroporous monofilament polypropylene mesh for cystocele treatment. Expectant management has been proposed since the patients were asymptomatic.

RESULTS:

The median follow-up duration was 121 months [interquartile range (IQR) 119-132]. The median surface area of vaginal mesh exposure (1 cm(2); IQR 1-1) did not change significantly during the follow-up. No pelvic or perineal abscess occurred during the follow-up. Only one of them was sexually active; she complained of dyspareunia at the last follow-up, but refused renewed surgery since she had sexual intercourse on only a small number of occasions per year. Clinical examination using the International Continence Society Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system: Ba -3 to -2 (n = 7; 88 %), Ba -1 (n = 1; 12 %), Ba 0 or greater (n = 0).

CONCLUSIONS:

Persistent asymptomatic vaginal polypropylene mesh exposure is associated with few complications at long-term follow-up.

• Authors: Xavier Deffieux, Thibault Thubert, Renaud de Tayrac, Hervé Fernandez, Vincent Letouzey
• Journal: International urogynecology journal (Int Urogynecol J) Vol. 23 Issue 10 Pg. 1387-90 (Oct 2012) ISSN: 1433-3023 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22527543 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Polypropylenes

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Cystocele (surgery)
• Device Removal
• Equipment Failure (statistics & numerical data)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Gynecologic Surgical Procedures (adverse effects, methods)
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Middle Aged
• Polypropylenes
• Prevalence
• Retrospective Studies
• Sexual Behavior
• Surgical Mesh (adverse effects)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vagina (surgery)