Medium-term effects of a monofilament polypropylene mesh for pelvic organ prolapse and sexual function symptoms

Abstract

This report is aimed at describing the effects and complications of a polypropylene mesh in standard gynaecological practice. This is single centre prospective cohort observational study performed at a University affiliated hospital in the UK. It involved the prospective symptom assessment of 41 consecutive patients in 2007 who underwent anterior and/or posterior Avaulta Plus™ or Avaulta™ Biosynthetic Support System (BARD). The validated International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire – Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ–VS) was completed in the clinic preoperatively. Postal questionnaires were sent to the patients up to 3 years postoperatively. Preoperatively the mean overall Quality of life (QoL) was 19.78 (SD 9.052) and at follow-up was 1.67 (SD 1.0) with p< 0.008. Mean VAS preoperatively was 15.00 (SD 7.566) and at follow-up was 0.44 (SD 0.882) with p< 0.008. A decrease in this score over time, indicates improved symptoms. In select patients, repair with mesh augmentation using Avaulta™ or Avaulta Plus™ is a safe and effective procedure up to 3 years with a median follow-up of 27 months (range 20–36 months).

Keywords::

• Dyspareunia
• pelvic organ prolapse
• polypropylene mesh
• vaginal surgery

Declaration of interest: JC has received sponsorship from mesh manufacturers for training and attendance at conferences. Manufacturers of mesh have also sponsored a surgical workshop arranged by the North Midland Urogynaecology Society of which JC is the Secretary. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.