Almost one-third of patients who had transvaginal mesh surgery needed surgery again, a new study revealed.
The study followed women for up to 25 years after transvaginal prolapse repair with synthetic mesh. More than 20 percent of the women reported having to undergo a later surgery.
Women more likely to need another surgery included:
- Younger women
- Women with apical mesh placed
- Women who experienced urinary tract injury during the surgery
16% of Patients ‘Very Unsatisfied’ with Transvaginal Mesh Surgery Results
Researchers collected medical information and data from patients’ medical records.
The patients in the study had vaginal prolapse surgery using synthetic mesh. The surgeries took place between May 1991 and October 2010.
Researchers used written surveys and pelvic exams to assess patients’ symptoms. They also evaluated patients’ satisfaction with the surgery.
Among 804 possible patients, 158 were eligible for inclusion in the study.
A total of 54 patients — or 34 percent — experienced mesh-related complications.
Thirty-three patients — or 21 percent — needed another operation.
Researchers received 43 questionnaires ranking patient satisfaction.
- 16 percent reported that their symptoms became worse after surgery
- 42 percent were “very satisfied” with their surgical results
- 16 percent were “very unsatisfied”
Authors of the study shared the results at a Society of Urodynamics meeting in Austin, Texas.
The conference focused on female pelvic medicine and urogenital reconstruction. It took place over a period of five days from Feb. 27 to March 3, 2018.
