Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Removal of an Intravesical Gellhorn Pessary and Staged Repair of a Residual Large Vesico-Vaginal Fistula
Published on: April 14, 2026
Entero mesh vaginal fistula secondary to abdominal sacral colpopexy
Michael P Hopkins1, Christopher Rooney
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Aultman Health Foundation, Canton, Ohio 44710, USA. mhopkinds@aultman.com
Background:
Abdominal sacral colpopexy is a popular method for resupporting the vaginal apex. Bleeding and infection are the most common complications. We report a complication resulting in a small bowel fistula.
Case:
A 48-year-old woman developed a chronic vaginal discharge 4-6 months after routine abdominal sacral colpopexy in which a velour mesh remained exposed in the pelvis. Conservative measures failed to control the intermittent copious discharge from the upper vaginal vault where the mesh was visualized. At laparotomy, an entero mesh vaginal fistula was discovered. Excellent long-term results were obtained by removal of the mesh along with resection of the involved small intestine.
Conclusion:
At the time of abdominal sacral colpopexy, we recommend that mesh not remain exposed in the pelvis.
