Tobacco use is a risk factor for mesh erosion after abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between smoking and vaginal mesh erosion after abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy with the use of type 1 polypropylene mesh.

Study design: All cases of mesh erosion (n = 27) that were diagnosed between October 2003 and June 2006 were identified and compared with matched control cases (n = 81). Control cases were matched for age, diabetes mellitus status, hypoestrogenic state (menopausal status, chronic steroid use, use of hormone therapy), abdominal-vaginal rectocele repair, culdoplasty, and concomitant hysterectomy. Demographic data, surgical characteristics, and postoperative complications were also compared between groups. Continuous data were compared using 2-sample Student t tests. Categoric data were compared with the use of Pearson Chi-square tests.

Results: The odds of experiencing mesh erosion was significantly greater in smokers than in nonsmokers (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.3, 14.4; P = .010) when potential confounders were similar between groups.

Conclusion: Tobacco use is a risk factor for vaginal mesh erosion after abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy with the use of type 1 polypropylene mesh.