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Current controversies regarding oncologic risk associated with polypropylene midurethral slings
Ashley B King1, Howard B Goldman
1Center of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave. Q10, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA, kingab3@gmail.com.
Current Urology Reports
|September 20, 2014
Summary
Synthetic midurethral slings, a top treatment for stress urinary incontinence, have been scrutinized for potential cancer links. Current evidence shows no association between these polypropylene slings and malignancy risk.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition affecting many women.
- Midurethral synthetic slings are a primary surgical intervention for SUI.
- Recent literature has raised questions about a potential link between synthetic slings and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the scientific data regarding the oncogenic risk of synthetic midurethral slings.
- To address patient and clinician concerns about the safety of polypropylene slings.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of existing scientific literature and clinical data.
- Analysis of studies investigating adverse events associated with midurethral synthetic slings.
Main Results:
- The review found no credible scientific evidence to support a correlation between polypropylene midurethral slings and an increased risk of malignancy.
- Existing data does not indicate that synthetic slings are carcinogenic.
Conclusions:
- Polypropylene midurethral slings remain a safe and effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence.
- The current evidence does not support concerns linking synthetic slings to cancer.
