Complications of transvaginal monofilament polypropylene mesh in pelvic organ prolapse repair.

Introduction and hypothesis: This study aimed to document intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with the use of transvaginal polypropylene mesh in the repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods: This is a retrospective review of 127 cases of transvaginal repair of POP using synthetic mesh.

Results: Mean postoperative value (+/-SD) for pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) measurements Aa, Ap, and C were: -2.4 +/- 1.1 (cm), -2.4 +/- 0.9 (cm), and -7.7 +/- 1.2 (cm), respectively. The difference between preoperative and postoperative values of these points was significant (p < 0.0001). Mesh erosion rate was 13/127 (10.2%) with significant correlation between mesh erosion and concurrent vaginal hysterectomy (p = 0.008). Combined anterior and posterior vaginal mesh surgery increased the risk of intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Concurrent vaginal hysterectomy is associated with increased risk of vaginal mesh erosion. Combined anterior and posterior vaginal mesh repair is an increased risk factor for intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion.