Incidence of removal or revision of mesh used to treat SUI

Editor's Note

Ten years after undergoing mesh-based procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), 1 of every 30 women may require a second procedure for mesh removal or revision, this study finds.

Patients of lower-volume surgeons had a 37% increased risk for complications.

The findings support the Food and Drug Administration’s warnings that complications caused by vaginal mesh are not uncommon, surgeons should obtain specialized training in their use, and the risk factor’s for complications have not been well identified, the authors say.

Importance Synthetic mesh slings are the most common surgical treatment for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, the US Food and Drug Administration has released warnings that question the safety of vaginal mesh. Objectives To measure the incidence of mesh removal or revision after SUI procedures and to determine whether significant surgeon and patient risk factors exist.