Effect of surgical mesh implant in the uterine prolapse correction

Abstract

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a medical condition characterized by the loss of support of the uterus, bladder or rectum, leading to its decay over the vagina. This condition affects about 75% of women from 50 years old, and about 11% of these will perform a prolapse correction surgery before being 80 years old. The most common treatment for this dysfunction is the implant of a synthetic mesh to complement the affected organ's support failure. Therefore, the effect of the mesh implant on the uterine displacement was studied through Finite Element Models (FEM). Several simulations were performed: healthy (without mesh) and dysfunctional (including the mesh and ligament damage). The ligaments' damage was simulated by modifying their mechanical properties. Comparing the results from the simulations, the mesh implant reduced the movement of the uterus to values closer to healthy ones.