Medium-term effects of a monofilament polypropylene mesh for pelvic organ prolapse and sexual function symptoms

Abstract

This report is aimed at describing the effects and complications of a polypropylene mesh in standard gynaecological practice. This is single centre prospective cohort observational study performed at a University affiliated hospital in the UK. It involved the prospective symptom assessment of 41 consecutive patients in 2007 who underwent anterior and/or posterior Avaulta Plus™ or Avaulta™ Biosynthetic Support System (BARD). The validated International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire - Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) was completed in the clinic preoperatively. Postal questionnaires were sent to the patients up to 3 years postoperatively. Preoperatively the mean overall Quality of life (QoL) was 19.78 (SD 9.052) and at follow-up was 1.67 (SD 1.0) with p< 0.008. Mean VAS preoperatively was 15.00 (SD 7.566) and at follow-up was 0.44 (SD 0.882) with p< 0.008. A decrease in this score over time, indicates improved symptoms. In select patients, repair with mesh augmentation using Avaulta™ or Avaulta Plus™ is a safe and effective procedure up to 3 years with a median follow-up of 27 months (range 20-36 months).