Transvaginal repair of genital prolapse with polypropylene mesh using a tension-free technique

Objectives To assess the perioperative complications and short-term outcomes of prolapse repair using transvaginal polypropylene mesh Study design Retrospective study In the period from April 2007 to September 2009 67 women underwent vaginal repair with implantation of a soft mesh manufactured by Gynecare Results All the patients had a stage 3 or stage 4 prolapse Total mesh was used in eight patients (11 9%) Isolated anterior mesh in 36 patients (53 7%) and isolated posterior mesh in 23 patients (34 4%) We reported one intraoperative bladder injury and no other serious complications At 3 months all the 67 patients were available for follow-up Vaginal erosion occurred in eight patients (11 9%) shrinkage of mesh in six patients (87%) granuloma without exposure in four patients (59%) de novo urinary incontinence in three patients (45%) and flatus incontinence in one patient (1 5%) Failure rate was 75% (recurrent prolapse stage 3 or 4 even asymptomatic) Conclusion Our study suggests that transvaginal polypropylene mesh applied with a tension-free technique is a safe and effective method with low intraoperative complications but with considerable potential postoperative morbidity (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved