Management of complications of mesh surgery. Curr Opin Urol. 2015;25:284-291. [PMID: 26049869 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000000187]

Unilateral J-cut division versus partial and subtotal removal techniques in female patients with mesh-related urethral obstruction: Multicentric comparative study

Objective

To compare the functional (obstruction relieving) outcomes and complications of unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques were performed for mesh-related urethral obstruction (MRUO) in females.

Methods

Patient review included demographics, a medical history and proforma with details of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), physical and urodynamic findings, detailed surgical reports and follow-up data. Variables were compared between the three groups.

Results

Out of 130 patients with sling revision surgery (SRS), 54 women underwent SRS for MRUO with a median follow-up of 48 (17-96) months. Unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques were performed in 12, 31 and 11 patients with a median duration of surgery of 30 (25-34), 40 (35-56) and 60 (60-70) minutes, respectively (p = 0.001). Statistically significant increase in median maximum free urine flow rate and decrease in median post-void residual urine volume were found after SRS in the three groups, while de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) developed in 10%, 44% and 60% of the patients in the unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal removal groups, respectively (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

The unilateral J-cut division technique was as effective as the partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques in relieving MRUO with a shorter duration of surgery time (p = 0.001) and lower risk of de novo SUI (p = 0.007). Comparative studies with a larger number of patients are needed.

Liquid crystal elastomer based dynamic device for urethral support: Potential treatment for stress urinary incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is characterized by the involuntary loss of urine due to increased intra-abdominal pressure during coughing, sneezing, or exercising. SUI affects 20-40% of the female population and is exacerbated by aging. Severe SUI is commonly treated with surgical implantation of an autologous or a synthetic sling underneath the urethra for support. These slings, however, are static, and their tension cannot be non-invasively adjusted, if needed, after implantation. This study reports the fabrication of a novel device based on liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) capable of changing shape in response to temperature increase induced by transcutaneous IR light. The shape change of the LCE-based device was characterized in a scar tissue phantom model. An in vitro urinary tract model was designed to study the efficacy of the LCE-based device to support continence and adjust sling tension with IR illumination. Finally, the device was acutely implanted and tested for induced tension changes in female multiparous New Zealand white rabbits. The LCE device achieved 5.6% ± 1.1% actuation when embedded in an agar gel with an elastic modulus of 100 kPa. The corresponding device temperature was 44.9 °C ± 0.4 °C, and the surrounding agar temperature stayed at 42.1 °C ± 0.4 °C. Leaking time in the in vitro urinary tract model significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) when an LCE-based cuff was sutured around the model urethra from 5.2min ± 1min to 2min ±0.5min when the cuff was illuminated with IR light. Normalized leak point force (LPF) increased significantly (p = 0.01) with the implantation of an LCE-CB cuff around the bladder neck of multiparous rabbits. It decreased significantly (p = 0.023) when the device was actuated via IR light illumination. These results demonstrate that LCE material could be used to fabricate a dynamic device for treating SUI in women.

Endoscopic management of intraurethral mesh extrusion with the holmium:YAG laser is an acceptable treatment option in selected patients

INTRODUCTION

Extrusion of transvaginal mesh into the urethra is a rare but potentially serious complication. Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of women who underwent an endoscopic laser procedure to treat intraurethral mesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified women who underwent an endoscopic Holmium:YAG laser procedure to treat intraurethral mesh between September 2011-October 2021. Information about the procedure, symptoms, and level of incontinence was gathered from the medical records. Primary outcomes were the need for further procedures, and the Urinary Distress Index-6 score at last follow-up.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 29 women; mesh sling procedure included tension-free vaginal sling (19), transobturator sling (6), or other transvaginal mesh sling (4). Presentation of intraurethral mesh was a median of 6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-7) years after placement. After the endoscopic procedure, 18/29 (62%) women had no visible urinary mesh and complete resolution of their presenting symptoms. Retreatment was necessary in 3/29 women, and 6/29 (21%) reported new or worsening stress incontinence. The UDI-6 was completed by all patients at a median of 3.7 (IQR: 2.0-5.8) years after their endoscopic procedure. The median score was 22 (IQR: 11-44), and 18/29 (62%) women had scores in the asymptomatic range. UDI-6 scores were similar for the six women who had further mesh procedures and the ones who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic laser treatment of an eroded transvaginal mesh sling is an acceptable treatment with minimal morbidity and satisfactory UDI-6 scores after a median follow-up of 3.7 years.

Comparison of the efficiency of partial versus subtotal mesh removal on urogenital distress and sexual functions after stress urinary incontinence surgery

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficiency of the partial mesh removal (PMR) versus subtotal mesh removal (SMR) on urogenital distress and sexual functions in patients who experienced vaginal mesh extrusion.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between June 2014 and January 2018, 45 patients who experienced vaginal mesh extrusion following midurethral sling surgeries and therefore underwent mesh excision were evaluated retrospectively. The effectiveness of PMR and SMR was compared using the "Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6)" and "Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)" forms, at the 6th month postoperatively.

RESULTS

Fourteen PMR-patients and 21 SMR-patients who met the study criteria were evaluated for the study. There was a significant improvement in UDI-6 scores and FSFI scores in both PMR and SMR groups at the 6^th month postoperatively (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). When the two groups were compared in terms of improvement rates, there was no significant difference in UDI-6 scores [(-)30.21±6.56% vs. (-)26.33±9.01%, p=0.222]. However, there was a statistically significant improvement in the FSFI scores in the SMR group [(+)83.71±14.81% vs. (+)124.42±36.82%, p=0.001]. There was no significant difference in overactive bladder symptoms between the two groups, with a decrease of 75% in the PMR group and 71.42% in the SMR group (p=0.721). Recurrent stress urinary incontinence was observed in two (14.2%) patients in the PMR group and four (19.1%) patients in the SMR group at the 6th month postoperatively (p=0.544).

CONCLUSION

In cases where extrusion is developed, subtotal/total mesh removal provides a significant improvement in patients' complaints of sexual dysfunction related to extrusion.

Medium-term outcome of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy using polivinylidene fluoride as compared to a hybrid polyglecaprone and polypropylene mesh: A matched control study

AIM

To compare 2-year outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP) either with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or hybrid polypropylene containing a resorbable polyglecaprone (PP+ PG) mesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective audit on 105 consecutive patients undergoing LSCP a with PVDF-mesh (DynaMesh, FEG Textiltechniken), matched by prolapse stage and cervicopexy or vault suspension to 105 controls undergoing LSCP with a hybrid PP + PG-mesh (Ultrapro, Ethicon). Patients are part of an ongoing prospective study. The primary outcome measure was the Patient Global Impression of Change score (PGIC), the coprimary variable was failure rate at the vault (≤1 cm). Other outcomes were intraoperative and postoperative complications within 3 months categorized by the Clavien-Dindo classification, reinterventions, graft-related complications (GRCs) and functional outcomes. All assessments were performed by an independent assessor. Data are reported as median (interquartile range) number and percent as appropriate, the Mann-Whitney U, χ² , or Fisher exact were used for comparison.

RESULTS

Patient satisfaction in the PVDF group, as measured with the PGIC, was high (90.9% PGIC, ≥4) as well as was the anatomical success (97.3%) at a follow-up of 26 months. These outcomes were comparable to those of PP + PG-patients (84.8% PGIC, ≥4; 94.9% anatomical success). There were five patients (2.4%) with Dindo-III or higher complications and three patients had GRCs (1.5%), without differences between mesh type. Level-II posterior defects (Bp ≥ -1) were less likely in PVDF patients (34.1% vs 50% for PP + PG-patients; P = .003). Women in the PVDF group also were less bothered by prolapse (7.5% vs 26.4%; P = .001), yet they complained more of constipation (15.0% vs 9.0%; P = .01).

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in patient satisfaction and anatomical outcomes after LSCP either with PVDF or PP + PG mesh.

Making surgery safer through adequate communication with the stakeholders: vaginal slings

PURPOSE

In this review, we explore the evidence behind mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgery, review the rising reports of complications and the subsequent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and society statements, and evaluate risk perception and communication with patients, doctors, governing bodies, manufacturers and insurance companies. Our aim was to explore the pitfalls in communication that may be contributing to the decline in MUS use, and develop strategies to make MUS surgery safer.

METHODS

We searched the English language literature using PubMed for articles related to the management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), MUS, safety and monitoring of transvaginal mesh (TVM), and reviewed all online FDA publications and international position statements regarding MUS for SUI.

RESULTS

Polypropylene mesh has been used in MUS since the 1990s, with robust evidence to support its use. There has been a decline in the use of MUS ever since the FDA notifications. In response to the controversy surrounding TVM, position statements have been released portending the safety of, and advocating for the continued use of, MUS for the management of SUI.

CONCLUSIONS

MUS is a viable, effective and safe treatment for SUI management. Physicians should obtain and document informed consent, be adequately trained, and monitor and report their outcomes using registries. With publication of registry results and ongoing health advocacy, the perception of the safety of MUS can improve and MUS can still be offered as a treatment option for SUI.

Exploring stress urinary incontinence outcomes after sling excision for perforation or exposure

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed stress urinary incontinence (SUI) outcomes after sling excision for urinary tract perforation or vaginal exposure, and compared the outcomes of concomitant versus staged autologous fascia pubovaginal sling (AFPVS).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent midurethral sling (MUS) excision for urinary tract perforation or vaginal exposure at a tertiary referral center between 2010 and 2015 was performed. Therapeutic strategies were categorized as concomitant AFPVS, staged AFPVS, and no anti-incontinence procedure.

RESULTS

In all, 32 patients were included for analysis: 13 with vaginal tape exposure (40.6%) and 19 with urinary tract tape exposure (59.4%). In patients who had SUI prior to sling excision (43.8%), the rate of resolved or improved SUI postoperatively was higher in the concomitant AFPVS group than in those who underwent sling excision alone (83.3% vs 12.5%, respectively; P = 0.03). Of 18 patients with no SUI prior to sling excision, 12 experienced recurrent SUI after sling removal (66.7%). The rate of recurrent SUI was lower in patients with vaginal MUS exposure than urinary tract MUS perforation, but this did not reach statistical significance (57.1% vs 72.7%, respectively; P = 0.63). The rates of resolved SUI after AFPVS were comparable in patients with concomitant and staged AFPVS (66.7% vs 71.4%, respectively; P = 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Many patients with MUS perforations or exposures will have SUI at initial presentation or develop SUI after removal of the synthetic sling. The decision to perform a concomitant AFPVS or to stage the surgical management of SUI can be individualized.

Ultrasound visualization of sacrocolpopexy polyvinylidene fluoride meshes containing paramagnetic Fe particles compared with polypropylene mesh

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Paramagnetic Fe particles can be added during synthetic mesh production to allow visibility on magnetic resonance imaging. Our aim was to evaluate whether transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) allows visualization, measurement, and characterization of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF mesh) containing Fe particles compared with regular polypropylene (PP) meshes used for sacrocolpopexy.

METHODS

Women up to 1.5 years after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy who were implanted with a PP or PVDF mesh underwent clinical examination and 2D, 3D, and 4D TPUS. Acquired volumes were analyzed offline for mesh position at rest and maximal Valsalva and for mesh dimensions and characteristics, with the operator blinded to group assignment. The two groups were compared.

RESULTS

There were 17 women in the PP and 25 in the PVDF mesh group, without differences in baseline demographics. None had significant prolapse, recurrence, symptoms, or complications. On TPUS, mesh was visible in all patients both caudally (perineal) and cranially but was more echogenic in the PVDF mesh group. Mesh length from distal to proximal that was visible on TPUS was longer for PVDF mesh, for both anterior and posterior vaginal arms (all P < 0.05), and for mesh above the vaginal apex (P = 0.002). The inferior aspects of the mesh showed areas of double mesh layers, suggesting folding in 80% of women in both groups, without symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

PVDF mesh permits clearer visualization and is seen over a longer stretch on TPUS, with longer visible mesh arms. The latter can be due to differences in operative technique, presence of microparticles, implant textile structure, or patient characteristics.

Challenges of Multidimensional Outcome Reporting after Suburethral Mid Urethral Sling Removal

PURPOSE

We sought to determine the types and frequency of presenting symptoms in women undergoing suburethral mid urethral sling removal to improve outcome reporting after removal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following institutional review board approval women who underwent suburethral mid urethral sling removal of 1 mid urethral sling were evaluated for their presenting symptoms and correlation with the UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form) questionnaire. Demographic data were recorded. Patient reported presenting symptoms were categorized into 5 domains, including storage symptoms, voiding symptoms, pain, recurrent urinary tract infections or urinary incontinence. The UDI-6 was reviewed preoperatively and 6 to 12 months postoperatively. We also calculated an ideal outcome, defined as resolution of incontinence, pain, resumption of sexual activity and no need for further anti-incontinence procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 230 women from 2006 to 2017 met study inclusion criteria, including 116 who completed the UDI-6 postoperatively. Of the women 80% had 3 or more presenting symptoms with pain as the most common symptom. The most common combination of symptoms was all 5 domains, which was noted in 46 of the 230 women (20%). An increasing number of symptoms correlated with the total preoperative UDI-6 score. Symptom domains were associated with the corresponding UDI-6 subdomain questions. Domains not covered by the UDI-6, ie recurrent urinary tract infections and dyspareunia, accounted for 27% of reported symptoms. Due to limited data on sexual activity an ideal outcome was reached in 10% of patients but this rate was 40% after sexual activity information was excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series the presenting symptoms were manifold in women undergoing suburethral mid urethral sling removal. The UDI-6 questionnaire correlated with many of these complaints. It may be used in outcome analysis in conjunction with self-reported symptoms.

Update on complications of synthetic suburethral slings

Synthetic suburethral slings have become the most widely used technique for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Despite its high success rates, significant complications have been reported including bleeding, urethral or bladder injury, urethral or bladder mesh erosion, intestinal perforation, vaginal extrusion of mesh, urinary tract infection, pain, urinary urgency and bladder outlet obstruction. Recent warnings from important regulatory agencies worldwide concerning safety issues of the use of mesh for urogynecological reconstruction have had a strong impact on patients as well as surgeons and manufacturers. In this paper, we reviewed the literature regarding surgical morbidity associated with synthetic suburethral slings.

Structural differences and architectural features of two different polypropylene slings (TVT-O and I-STOP) have no impact on biocompatibility and tissue reactions

Introduction

To evaluate the impact of design features of the synthetic mid-urethral slings on tissue integrity and inflammatory responses.

Material and methods

In total 30 female Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with type I monofilamentous, macroporous polypropylene meshes: Gynecare TVT-Obturator tape^® (Ethicon Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Somerville, NJ, USA) and I-STOP^® (CL Medical Inc., Lyon, France). All animal groups were sacrificed at set time intervals – 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months – and the abdominal wall was harvested with mesh strips for histological evaluation.

Results

All mesh strips appeared to be well incorporated into the abdominal wall, and no signs of shrinkage was noticed. All specimens showed a thin/delicate, loose, fibrous interface between the synthetic graft plate and abdominal wall, along with mild inflammatory reactions from 6 weeks to 12 months.

Conclusions

Both mesh brands induced comparable, minimal foreign body reactions and integrated well into the host tissues despite differences in architectural features. TVT-O^® and I-STOP^® evoked similar low-grade inflammatory responses up to 12 months in this animal model.

Structural differences and architectural features of polypropylene slings used in this study have had no impact on tissue integrity and inflammatory responses.

Laparoscopic Burch urethropexy at time of mesh sling removal: A cohort study evaluating functional outcomes and quality of life

AIM: To theorize that performing a laparoscopic Burch urethropexy at time of sling removal would significantly decrease subjective symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and improve patient satisfaction.

METHODS: Women who underwent a combined sling removal and laparoscopic Burch procedure between 2009 and 2014 were matched via age and sling-type in a 1:2 ratio to women who only underwent a sling removal. Those who underwent surgery within 6 mo of data collection were excluded from the study, as were women who underwent multi-stage surgery. Preoperative assessment for both groups included a focused clinical exam with or without functional testing and questionnaires including urogenital distress inventory-6 (UDI-6) and incontinence impact questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7) per the standard clinical practice. All non-exempt women were sent a questionnaire that included UDI-6 and IIQ-7 in addition to standard follow-up questions. Research staff contacted participants via email, mail, and telephone using the same questionnaire template and script. Data was analyzed by using χ² test for categorical data, and Student’s t test and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for continuous data. The measure of effect was determined by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 48 women out of 146 selected patients were successfully recruited with n = 22 in the Burch cohort and n = 26 in the control cohort. The mean age was 54.7 ± 7.8 years and mean body mass index was 22.0 ± 13.9 kg/m². The majority of patients were Caucasian (73.3%), postmenopausal (91.1%), nonsmokers (57.9%), with a history of hysterectomy (81.4%). Six nineteen point six percent of women presented after at least 2 years from placement, which was significantly more common in the Burch cohort. Pain was the most common chief complaint (64.4%) in both groups at the time of initial presentation, and 78.9% of women reported concomitant urinary incontinence. There was no significant difference in pre-operative UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores between the two cohorts. However, the change in UDI-6 score postoperatively was significantly improved in the Burch cohort with an average drop in score of 28.41 points compared to a decrease of 4.01 points in the control group (P = 0.02, 95%CI: 3.84 to 44.97). Although not statistically significant, the Burch cohort was 58% more likely to show an overall improvement in their score after surgery and 40% more likely to meet the minimal important difference of 11 points (RR = 1.58, 95%CI: 0.97 to 2.57; RR 1.40, 95%CI: 0.79 to 2.46). The difference in IIQ scores was nonsignificant. There was no significant difference in blood loss, complications, or postoperative pain or dyspareunia.

CONCLUSION: Performing a Burch urethropexy during sling removal does not increase complication rates and results in a significant change in validated symptom-related quality of life scores.

Use of synthetic grafts in pelvic reconstruction: A path of continued discovery

Since the 1990s, mesh has been used in pelvic reconstruction to augment repairs for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). In 2008 and 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Public Health Notifications ultimately informing providers and the public that complications associated with the use of synthetic mesh in the transvaginal repair of POP are not rare. In this review, we (1) examine literature characterizing surgical practice-patterns subsequent to the FDA announcements; (2) describe presentation of mesh-associated complications and outcomes of management; (3) discuss the most recent materials science research; and (4) seek to characterize whether or not mesh has lived up to the long-term efficacy promise of a permanent implant. Durability of mesh-augmented anatomical outcomes do not consistently translate into improved patient satisfaction and subjective outcomes. This, when coupled with the possibility of mesh-associated complications, emphasizes the need for continued innovation beyond the status quo of current synthetic grafts.