Mesh Removal Surgeries

Many women have had surgery for prolapse or stress urinary incontinence using synthetic mesh to provide added support to the bladder, vagina, rectum, or urethra.

While most women enjoy the benefits of these surgeries without any problems, others experience complications such as vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, pain with sex, or pelvic or groin pain. One option for treating these complications is to surgically remove the mesh. Our doctors have expertise in safely removing vaginal mesh and restoring vaginal support once mesh is removed.

Symptoms of Mesh Complications

• Pain in the pelvis, vagina, bladder 
• Vaginal discharge or bleeding
• Pain during intercourse or sex
• Groin pain
• Abdominal pain
• Recurrent urinary infections

How We Address Mesh Complications

The First Step:  Accurate Information

Our team has extensive and very successful prior experience with mesh implants, and we have lectured colleagues on this subject worldwide. We know what a successful mesh implant looks like. That means we recognize when something is not quite right. During a time when misinformation is rampant, we believe the most important first step is to press pause and assess with a fresh perspective.

By combining a careful examination and state of the art ultrasound, our goal is to provide each patient with reassuring and accurate answers and a productive path forward.  

Advanced 3D Ultrasound for Mesh Imaging

When symptoms occur after a previous mesh repair, we utilize 3D pelvic ultrasound to gain precise imaging of the anatomy and location of the mesh implants. This test is performed in the office and takes only 10 minutes. It  provides precise mapping of the location of the mesh implant and its shape and position relative to the pelvic muscles and organs. Treatment decisions can then be based on a precise understanding of the situation.  

Why Experience Matters

Our team has more than 15 year experience and a successful track record with pelvic floor mesh implants. Misinformation and misunderstanding is common, and it’s important to understand that pelvic symptoms can result from a variety of different issues and are not always due to implanted mesh. The pelvic organs (bladder, bowel, uterus), pelvic floor muscles, and connective tissues must all be considered in addition to the mesh. Our goal is to provide our patients with a comprehensive and accurate evaluation followed by a clear and productive path forward.   

Multidisciplinary Approach

We work closely with Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists, Pelvic Pain specialists as well as other disciplines within our integrated health care system. Depending on the complexity of an individual case, we develop a team approach to ensure all angles are covered.

Our multidisciplinary environment means that you’re never being treated in a silo with only one expert opinion available. Our outlook: let’s work together, and get this right.