Complications of synthetic mesh inserted for stress urinary incontinence

To provide an update on the literature regarding the management of complications secondary to synthetic mesh placed to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

We performed a systematic review of the literature using a multi-database structured search within OVID, the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) and Cochrane library databases; using the keywords: urology, incontinence, mesh and surgery.

Several million synthetic polypropylene meshes have been inserted into women worldwide to manage SUI. Unfortunately, a significant number of women have now reported life-changing complications. We found a paucity of studies, heterogeneity of cohorts, poor long-term follow-up, and lack of evidence on the effective management of mesh-related complications.

The contemporary evidence is low-level and often contradictory, which prevents robust recommendations regarding treatment. A prospective registry will be required to generate meaningful outcome data and help in the complex management of patients who have mesh-related complications.