[The use of mesh in vaginal prolapse]

More than 13,000 vaginal prolapse operations are performed in the Netherlands each year. Native tissue repair is associated with a re-operation risk of 20-30%. Randomized trials demonstrate that mesh reinforced repairs are anatomically and functionally more effective in the short and medium term. Sexual functioning is comparable after mesh or native tissue repair; there is no difference in dyspareunia. It is not clear whether, in the long term, mesh decreases the risk of recurrence without increasing the risk of complications. 'Exposure' is the most frequently reported complication (4-19%), but treatment is usually not difficult. Pain caused by 'shrinkage' of the mesh is rare, but can be serious and is difficult to treat. The frequency of this complication is not well known. Until long-term results are known, mesh should only be considered in case of recurrent prolapse. Mesh surgery should be performed after informed consent and by surgeons with proven experience only.