Vaginal Mesh Procedures

Medical Procedures That Use Transvaginal Mesh
Transvaginal mesh implantation is a surgical procedure used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Although researchers have recommended that doctors introduce the procedure to patients as a novel treatment that may pose some risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not issue a statement regarding the safety of the procedure until 2008.

What is Transvaginal Mesh?
Transvaginal Mesh is a type of perforated fabric or netting that can be made of either natural or synthetic materials. Natural mesh is made to decompose slowly within the body after its use is no longer required. Synthetic mesh is meant to stay in the body while posing no harm by its presence. Surgical mesh was first used hold abdominal organs in place for people suffering from a hernia, and transvaginal implantation was developed later.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition where the muscles and ligaments that support a woman’s organs in the pelvis weaken. The organs move out of place, often putting pressure on the vaginal wall. This pressure can compromise the integrity of the vagina and cause it to prolapse also. Affected organs may include the bladder, urethra, uterus, bowel and rectum.

POP often occurs during childbirth, but it is also common in women undergoing menopause. Symptoms of POP are a feeling of pressure in the pelvis, a feeling of fullness in the belly, feeling as if something is inside or coming out of the vagina and pain during sex.

The traditional treatment of POP is surgery aimed at repairing the damaged tissue. The tissue can be secured successfully without the use of transvaginal mesh. Physical therapy also helps to strengthen the pelvic muscles and ligaments.

Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence is a condition in which urine leaks out of the urethra during physical activity or during muscular contractions that occur while laughing, sneezing or coughing. SUI is caused by weakened sphincter and/or pelvic muscles supporting the bladder and urethra. This weakening of the muscles is often caused by injury, past surgery or medications.

Transvaginal mesh has been used to treat SUI by holding back pelvic organs and relieving any pressure they may have been putting on the urethra. However, muscle training, physical therapy and a number of medications have also proven effective in treating the condition.