Vaginal Mesh Removal Surgery

Since the early 2000"s, Dr. Stepp has built a practice treating hundreds of patients with vaginal mesh complications such as pain, mesh exposure, erosion or contraction.

Vaginal Mesh Complications

Vaginal mesh or sling complications involves a tailored approach to the specific issues faced by the patient. Treatment may include medical management, such as pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications, to alleviate symptoms. In many cases, physical therapy targeting pelvic floor muscles may improve function and reduce discomfort. However, if a mesh complication is creating tension, this often needs to be removed to allow physical therapy to be successful.

Surgical intervention may be necessary to address severe complications, such as mesh erosion or contraction, pelvic pain or pain with sexual activity. However, the decision for surgery should be carefully considered, weighing the potential benefits against the risks, and individualized based on the patient's overall health and preferences. In certain instances, complete removal of the mesh may be necessary, and this procedure should only be performed by a surgeon experienced in mesh removal. The complication may involve other organs like the bladder, urethra, ureters, or bowel. So Therefore, a board certified urogynecologist experienced with vaginal mesh removal is essential to provide comprehensive care and ensure the best possible outcomes for affected individuals. The best results are usually obtained during the first surgery for removal. Repeat surgeries are even more complicated.

Urethra slings and some prolapse procedures with mesh can be very useful for patients with prolapse or stress incontinence. Unfortunately, no procedure is perfect and the use of pelvic mesh has been associated with a range of complications, and in some cases, removal becomes necessary for the following reasons:

Finding a surgeon qualified and experienced with vaginal mesh removal can be difficult.

Please contact our office to schedule an evaluation. Please let us know if you are out of state so we can accommodate and minimize travel logistics.

Urethra slings and some prolapse procedures with mesh can be very useful for patients with prolapse or stress incontinence. Unfortunately, no procedure is perfect and the use of pelvic mesh has been associated with a range of complications, and in some cases, removal becomes necessary for the following reasons:

• Mesh Erosion or Exposure
  • One of the most common complications is mesh erosion or exposure, where the mesh material protrudes through the vaginal wall or other surrounding tissues.
  • Erosion can cause pain, discomfort, and increase the risk of infection.
• Infection
  • Pelvic mesh can sometimes lead to infections. Bacterial colonization can occur around the mesh, causing persistent or recurrent infections.
  • In cases of severe or chronic infections, removal of the mesh may be necessary to address the source of the problem.
• Pain and Discomfort
  • Many women experience chronic pelvic pain or discomfort as a result of pelvic mesh implants.
  • Pain may be caused by the mesh contraction or by pressing on nerves, causing inflammation or irritation. In such cases, removal may be considered to alleviate the pain.
• Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse)
  • Some women (or their partner) may experience pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) due to the presence of pelvic mesh.
  • Removal may be recommended to improve sexual function and alleviate discomfort.
• Organ Perforation
  • In rare cases, pelvic mesh implants can lead to organ perforation, where the mesh punctures nearby organs such as the bladder, urethra, or bowel.
  • Perforation poses a serious risk and typically requires surgical intervention to remove the mesh and repair any damage.
• Recurrence of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) or Incontinence
  • In some instances, the initial condition for which the mesh was implanted may recur or persist despite the presence of the mesh.
  • Surgeons may opt to remove the mesh and explore alternative treatment options.
• Inflammatory Reactions
  • Some individuals may experience inflammatory reactions to the mesh material, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and discomfort.
  • Removal may be considered to address the inflammatory response.

It's important to note that the decision to remove pelvic mesh depends on the individual's symptoms, the severity of complications, and the surgeon's assessment. If a person is experiencing issues related to pelvic mesh, they should consult with their healthcare provider or a specialist experienced in pelvic mesh complications to discuss the potential benefits and risks of removal.