Mesh Erosion

Mesh Erosion

Dr. Jeffrey R. Dell and The Institute for Female Pelvic Medicine have evaluated and treated hundreds of patients from across the United States over the past few years for complications following previous pelvic surgery involving mesh and/or slings. Based on this vast experience, the following important points are provided for your consideration.

 

The patient’s evaluation and treatment at The Institute for Female Pelvic Medicine is the next most important step in a process that should improve the patient’s quality of life.  Further surgery or treatment may be necessary later on.

In a majority of cases, previously placed mesh and/or slings cannot be completely removed as portions of it may be attached to or within the wall of important structures such as urethra, bladder, vagina, rectum, muscles and nerve tissue.  Portions of mesh and fibrosis (attached scar tissue) can usually be removed resulting in decreased pain and improved quality of life.

Some patients may continue to have ongoing pain with certain activities, continuing or even increased incontinence (urgency, frequency, urge incontinence, stress incontinence, fecal incontinence), and prolapse (cystocele, rectocele, enterocele) which may require further treatment once healed from the next surgery.  Many patients require 6 – 8 weeks of healing after pelvic surgery.

Some patients may experience recurrent pain, incontinence or mesh erosion months or years later which may require additional treatment or surgery.