Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
08:50
The Mechanics of (Poro-)Elastic Contractile Actomyosin Networks As a Model System of the Cell Cytoskeleton
Published on: March 10, 2023
Mesh contraction: myth or reality?
Hans Peter Dietz1, Max Erdmann, Ka Lai Shek
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Neonatology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, University of Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia. hpdietz@bigpond.com
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 23, 2010
Summary
This study found no evidence of mesh contraction in pelvic organ prolapse surgery patients. Mesh length actually increased significantly over time, contrary to common assumptions about mesh shrinkage.
Area of Science:
- Urogynecology
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Mesh implants are frequently used for female pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair.
- Mesh shrinkage, potentially due to immunological responses, is a widely held concern.
- Longitudinal data on mesh dimensional changes post-implantation is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mesh dimensions at multiple time points after anterior compartment mesh implantation for POP.
- To evaluate the occurrence of mesh shrinkage in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study analyzing translabial 4-dimensional ultrasound (US) volume datasets.
- Data from 40 women with anterior compartment mesh, assessed between 3-52 months post-implantation.
- Operator-blinded analysis of mesh dimensions at initial and final postoperative appointments.
Main Results:
- No significant mesh contraction was observed over nearly 60 woman-years of follow-up.
- Midsagittal mesh length showed a statistically significant increase (P = .006).
- Patient satisfaction was high (93%), with significant improvements reported by 75% of participants.
Conclusions:
- The study provides no evidence supporting the hypothesis of mesh contraction after POP surgery.
- Observed increases in mesh length suggest that mesh may not shrink as commonly believed.
- High patient satisfaction and improvement rates indicate the efficacy of mesh in POP treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Shrinkage in Concrete
Shrinkage in concrete is primarily due to water loss from evaporation, hydration of cement, or carbonation, leading to a reduction in volume. The volumetric contraction results in volumetric strain in concrete. However, in practice, shrinkage is measured as linear strain, which is one-third of the volumetric strain.
When concrete is still in its plastic state, it can undergo a decrease in volume by about 1% of its absolute volume. This decrease is known as plastic shrinkage. It arises either...
When concrete is still in its plastic state, it can undergo a decrease in volume by about 1% of its absolute volume. This decrease is known as plastic shrinkage. It arises either...
01:25Smooth Muscle Contraction
Smooth muscle contraction is a complex process vital for various bodily functions, from maintaining blood vessel tension to facilitating the movement of food through the digestive tract. Unlike striated muscles, smooth muscle contraction begins more slowly and lasts longer.
The onset of contraction is triggered by an increase in calcium ions within the sarcoplasm, similar to the process in striated muscle. However, smooth muscles have a relatively smaller reservoir of the sarcoplasmic...
The onset of contraction is triggered by an increase in calcium ions within the sarcoplasm, similar to the process in striated muscle. However, smooth muscles have a relatively smaller reservoir of the sarcoplasmic...
01:16Actin and Myosin in Muscle Contraction
Actin and myosin are contractile proteins that form the sarcomere found in skeletal muscle tissues for regulating muscle contraction. Actin, a globular contractile protein, interacts with myosin for muscle contraction. The skeletal tissue appears striped or striated under a microscope due to the repeated arrangement of contractile proteins actin and myosin along the length of myofibrils. Dark A bands and light I bands repeat along myofibrils, and the alignment of myofibrils in the cell causes...
01:22Isotonic and Isometric Muscle Contractions
Two primary types of muscle contractions are isotonic and isometric, each serving unique functions and involving distinct mechanisms. Both isotonic and isometric contractions are integral to the body's complex system of movement and stability. Isotonic exercises contribute significantly to functional strength and movement, while isometric contractions are crucial for maintaining posture and joint stability.
Isotonic contractions
Isotonic contractions occur when a muscle changes length while the...
Isotonic contractions
Isotonic contractions occur when a muscle changes length while the...
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
01:19Expansion and Contraction in Masonry Walls
Masonry walls are subject to slight expansion and contraction due to variations in temperature and moisture. Thermal movement in masonry is relatively straightforward to measure and plan for. On the other hand, moisture movement poses more of a challenge. New clay masonry units typically absorb water and expand over time under normal environmental conditions. Conversely, new concrete masonry units tend to shrink as they lose the excess moisture acquired during their production process.
To...
To...