Age and sexual activity are risk factors for mesh exposure following transvaginal mesh repair

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: This study is about evaluating safety and potential risk factors for complications following pelvic organ prolapse repair with the GYNECARE PROLIFT system. Methods: This is a prospective observational study (Canadian Task Force II-1) performed in a tertiary referral center. A total of 114 women with pelvic organ prolapse, POP-Q stage ≥2, underwent a pelvic floor repair that included Prolift. Results: During a mean follow-up time of 7 months there were six procedure failures (5.3%) and 14 mesh exposures (12.3%), more commonly on the anterior vaginal wall. Age was inversely related to the risk of having late mesh exposure (p = 0.02) with an odds ratio of 1.99 (95% confidence interval 1.10-3.59) for each decrease of 10 years in age. Late mesh exposure was significantly more common in sexually active patients (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Prolift repair has a high anatomical success rate. Young age and sexual activity are risk factors for mesh exposure. © 2010 The International Urogynecological Association.