A transvaginal mesh is sometimes implanted in a woman during a hysterectomy operation to help prevent the organs from prolapsing or sagging. A surgical mesh is used to provide support to damaged or weakened tissue during the healing process. They are often made from animal tissue or synthetic materials. The mesh also helps prevent incontinence.
The transvaginal mesh derives its name from the technique used for its implantation. It is a hammock-shaped mesh that is inserted through the vagina. Women who choose to undergo hysterectomies are sometimes recommended a transvaginal mesh to prevent organ sagging and stress incontinence.
The device is FDA approved and it can help correct or prevent vaginal vault prolapse, a condition where the top of the vagina collapses on itself. The mesh can also be used to strengthen a weakened pelvic floor.
What are the Complications of a Transvaginal Mesh Implant?
The most serious complications that arise with a transvaginal mesh implant are organ perforation and erosion. These complications may require surgical repair.
Organ Perforation
A transvaginal mesh carries the risk of being able to penetrate the wall of an organ in a woman’s body, typically the urethra, bladder, rectum, or bowel. In some cases, this perforation can even occur during the implanting surgery. Organ perforation may sometimes result in secondary complications such as difficulty breathing and infection.
Surgical intervention is required to repair this situation, which may involve the removal of the mesh, blood transfusion, bowel resection, and colostomy. Organ perforation can also result in the leakage of waste or urine into the person’s bloodstream, resulting in septic shock, a fatal condition.
Erosion
This process occurs when the transvaginal mesh wears or rubs through the tissues of the patient’s organs leading to exposure and extreme pain. This exposure is known as protrusion or extrusion, meaning that the mesh can be externally visible.
Vaginal erosion can often make it impossible for the woman to have sex due to extreme levels of pain. The urinary tract is also at risk of possible erosion, which could lead to chronic infections.
Other side effects and complications of a transvaginal mesh implant are:
• Recurring incontinence or prolapse
• Severe genital, groin, or pelvic pain
• Fistulas
• Vaginal scarring, shrinkage, or bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Infections
• Autoimmune problems
• Bruising
The problem with addressing complications caused by transvaginal mesh implants is that the process of removal is complicated. After the mesh has been implanted, over time, tissue develops around the mesh and becomes solid. This can result in scar tissue. Doctors often try alternative treatments such as estrogen cream which helps manage symptoms.
They may even attempt trimming the exposed mesh depending on how much of the mesh is exposed. If these treatments are unsuccessful, doctors will choose to entirely remove the mesh. This surgery will require a urogynecologist with special training to successfully minimize complications and remove the mesh.
Contact Our Office
Complications from prolapse and incontinence surgery can occur for various reasons. By working with surgeons, Dr. John Miklos and Dr. Robert Moore, you can feel confident in their ability to deal with mesh complications in a safe and effective manner.
Both doctors have extensive experience utilizing a mesh treatments and treating any complications that arise. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.