[Bilateral suprapubic abscessses five years after incontinence surgery]

Area of Science:

• Urogynecology
• Medical device safety

Background:

• Midurethral slings are commonly used for stress urinary incontinence.
• Intravaginal slingplasty (IVS) utilizes a microporous material, unlike macroporous alternatives.
• Long-term complications of IVS slings require further investigation.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old female patient developed vaginal erosion and bilateral suprapubic abscesses.
• These complications occurred five years after the insertion of an IVS midurethral incontinence sling.
• Initial partial removal of the sling did not resolve the complications.

Findings:

• Complete removal of the IVS sling led to the patient's full recovery.
• The microporous structure of IVS slings is associated with a higher incidence of erosion and infection compared to macroporous slings.
• Prompt and complete surgical intervention is vital for managing IVS sling complications.

Implications:

• Complete sling removal is essential for managing IVS-related complications such as erosion and infection.
• The findings highlight potential risks associated with microporous sling materials.
• There is a need for enhanced monitoring of medical device complications, particularly in Denmark.