Mesh erosion after pelvic reconstructive surgeries

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience on the erosion of polypropylene mesh used in pelvic reconstructive surgeries, and to discuss the pathological changes of mesh erosion.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 128 patients receiving pelvic reconstructive surgeries with polypropylene mesh from May 2006 to May 2009 in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei, China. Data regarding patient demographics, operation notes, and follow up were collected.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up time for the 128 patients was 15.2 (1.3-60) months. Seven patients were diagnosed with vaginal mesh erosion (Prolene mesh), and one of them suffered from anaphylactoid breakout related to the mesh. The mean (+/- standard deviation) time occurring in the mesh erosion was 9.1 +/- 7.6 months. All the 7 patients were treated with surgery. Chronic inflammation was the main pathological manifestations in the eroded tissue.

CONCLUSION: Most cases of polypropylene mesh erosions occur within one year postoperatively. Removal of the mesh could be the best therapy for mesh erosion. Further study is needed to determine if the polypropylene mesh induces supersensitivity.