In This Article:
- What You Should Know
- What You Should Do
What You Should Know
The FDA has claimed there is zero evidence to prove that surgical mesh has any clinical benefits, such as improved quality of life. In 2012 there were roughly 100 thousand POP repairs that used surgical mesh and 75 thousand of those were trans-vaginal procedures. The most severe complications that were reported from surgical mesh were;
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Organ Perforation
- UTI’s and other Urinary problems
- Exposed Mesh
- Pain (especially during intercourse)
The FDA first issued their safety warning about surgical mesh after the increasing amount of concerns that arose. Since their warning the number of complaints has continued to increase. The FDA suggested that many patients who undergo trans-vaginal pelvic organ prolapse or POP repair with surgical mesh are exposed to additional risks.
What You Should Do
If you haven’t had surgery yet, the FDA recommends you speak with a surgeon about all possible POP treatment options before you proceed with the surgery. It’s important to understand exactly why the surgeon may recommend treatment for POP with surgical mesh. After surgery, continue with all the follow-up care suggested by your surgeon and go in for routine check-us. If you are to have any complications, notify your surgeon immediately. If you have already had the surgery and do not know whether your surgeon used the surgical placement of mesh, contact your surgeon immediately and find out exactly what was done and which mesh product was used during surgery.