Complications following the use of alloplastic materials in urogynecological surgery

Study design118 patients, who were admitted from 2005 to 2008 to our department due to complications following mesh implantation, were included in a retrospective survey. We investigated patient symptoms, findings and subsequent patient management. There was a re-evaluation of symptoms in a follow-up eight weeks after the revision procedure. Data from our urogynecological file archive were used.ResultsThe main complaints were de novo urgency, pain and recurrent urinary tract infections. The main findings were mesh erosion and infections including abscess formations and osteomyelitis. Before being admitted to our department, 42 patients (35.6%) had already undergone at least one intervention. Surgery to overcome complications was performed in our unit after an average time of 27 months. In most cases, mesh removal was necessary.ConclusionsSurgeons need to be aware of potential mesh complications, which should be managed in referral centres as soon as symptoms arise and should be documented in registers. There is a need for more prospective randomised studies on complications arising from surgery.