Due to age, previous surgeries or childbirth, the ligaments holding up women’s pelvic organs often weaken and the organs may “fall”, i.e., prolapse. Most commonly, prolapse involves the bladder, but the uterus, vagina and rectum can also prolapse. This causes a pressure or full feeling in your lower abdomen, a stretch or pull on your groin area, incontinence, pain during sex or problems with your bowels. Surgeries are commonly done to “lift” the organs.
Commonly, surgeons use mesh to hold the organs up, but the FDA has recently advised against using mesh due to frequent complications, including protrusion of the mesh out of the vagina, pain, infection, bleeding and painful intercourse. Mesh is also permanent and can complicate future surgeries. Such complications are especially noted when the mesh is placed transvaginally rather than abdominal placement.
Studies have shown that there is no evidence that mesh provides any greater benefit than non-mesh surgeries. Despite this, over 100,000 prolapse repairs are done using mesh yearly.
You should realize that there are pelvic floor exercises directed by physical therapists that may strengthen these muscles and prevent the need for surgery. But if you need surgery, question whether mesh is necessary.
Posted on
Sat, August 13, 2011
by Larry Altshuler, M.D.
filed under