Is there an association between polypropylene midurethral slings and malignancy?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Macroporous, monofilament polypropylene midurethral slings are standard for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
• Concerns exist regarding mesh risks in transvaginal surgery and potential links to malignancy.
• This study addresses recent concerns about synthetic midurethral slings and cancer risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate any association between polypropylene mesh midurethral slings and human malignancy.
• To evaluate the safety of polypropylene mesh in the context of cancer development.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of sling procedures from 2004-2013.
• Analysis of International Classification of Disease codes for urethral, vaginal, and bladder cancers.
• Assessment of malignancy rates following polypropylene midurethral sling placement.

Main Results:

• 2545 procedures were reviewed; 2361 involved polypropylene midurethral slings.
• Average follow-up was 42.0 months (up to 122.3 months).
• The rate of bladder or vaginal cancer was 0.0% (1/2361); no sarcomas were observed.

Conclusions:

• The study found a 0.0% malignancy rate (2/2361) after polypropylene mesh midurethral sling placement.
• With a mean follow-up of nearly 4 years, no association between mesh slings and malignancy was supported.
• Findings suggest polypropylene mesh midurethral slings do not increase malignancy risk in humans.