Transvaginal mesh is a surgical mesh used to treat stress-related urinary incontinence, a condition where women, particularly those post-childbirth, experience urinary leakage from the bladder during high-impact activities such as running or jumping.

Around 20% of women suffer from this problem, and surgery using a transvaginal mesh provides a low-complication method for treating the incontinence problem. But all this information only scratches the surface of the transvaginal mesh. The topic needs to be delved into deeply to understand the usage of transvaginal mesh, its uses and complications, and the reasons for the ongoing controversy in gynaecological treatment.

With inputs from the best gynec laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri, we provide the complete information you need in this blog. Read on:

Transvaginal Mesh – A Treatment for Pelvic Disorders:

Urinary incontinence is only one aspect of pelvic disorder treated by transvaginal mesh surgery. Gynaecologists have been actively leveraging transvaginal mesh to treat various pelvic infections. To understand the role of transvaginal mesh, let us provide you with a backstory of the pelvic floor and its conditions.

Pelvic Floor & Pelvic Organ Prolapse:

The pelvic floor in women is a hammock-like structure of connective tissue and muscle. It keeps the bladder, rectum, vagina, uterus, and cervix intact. More robust and healthier pelvic floor results in adequately functioning these pelvic organs.

In cases where the pelvic floor becomes weaker due to a medical condition, injury, or pregnancy, the pelvic organs may move and drop, resulting in pelvic-organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse can result in various pelvic disorders, including urinary incontinence, sexual problems, pain or pressure in the pelvis, and loss of control over bowel movements.

Benefits of Transvaginal Mesh for Pelvic Disorders:

Transvaginal mesh is a medical-grade mesh made from animal tissues, which is used in surgeries to restore the anatomical positioning of pelvic organs and strengthen the support to the pelvic floor. “This surgery alleviates pain and discomfort and significantly improves bladder control to help urinary incontinence. It is a minimally invasive treatment option that involves lower surgical cuts and hence offers accelerated recovery”, says Dr. Neelima Mantri, a top female gynaecologist in Mumbai.

Then, what are the complications of transvaginal mesh that led to ongoing controversies?

Complications of Transvaginal Mesh: Why It Can Be Risky?

A mesh is a net-like implant that comes in different tape, mesh, ribbon, or hammock that provides reinforced support to weak pelvic organs. The mesh is implanted and held in its place with tissue fixation devices or statures through a small incision in the vaginal or abdominal wall. However, there have been reports around the world about the possible complications, which included:

Mesh Erosion: The mesh interacting and pushing through the sensitive vaginal area can cause pain and discomfort.

Infections: The mesh is historically made through artificial materials, which sometimes may lead to infections near the vagina.

Mesh Migrations: In a few cases, the mesh may dislocate and migrate, changing its orientation and displacing from the intended locations to harm other sensitive pelvic organs.

Painful Sexual Intercourse: In rare cases, mesh in its location may meddle with sexual intercourse, leading to pain.

“In addition to the pain caused by mesh erosion, nerve damage, and urinary problems are some of the transvaginal mesh complications reported across the globe,” says leading gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri. Due to ongoing complications, transvaginal mesh is not recommended for treating pelvic prolapse and other pelvic disorders.

Fortunately, plenty of other surgical treatment options can now help women get rid of the pain and discomfort caused by pelvic disorders. For more information on the treatment of pelvic infections and alternatives to the transvaginal mesh procedure, you can contact gynaecologist Dr. Neelima Mantri here.