What is Mesh Erosion?
Mesh erosion refers to the breakdown of internal tissue due to irritation or infection caused by a foreign material such as synthetic mesh.

This section discusses vaginal erosion as a complication following placement of synthetic mesh to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or pelvic organ prolapse (POP). In these surgeries a pre-cut synthetic mesh is sewn into the pelvic area like a sling or hammock to support the urethra or pelvic organs. Vaginal mesh erosion happens when the mesh comes in contact with the outer vaginal wall and actually wears through it by irritation or infection.

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health notification about the complications of synthetic mesh.

Causes
In the late 1990s, placement of synthetic mesh became a common treatment for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Unfortunately, complications arose with some of the synthetic mesh used, including vaginal mesh erosion, leaving some patients with pain and an impaired quality of life.

Synthetic mesh is often made of polypropylene, a material that remains in the body permanently. Your body’s natural healing response is to grow new tissue into the surgical site, through the implanted mesh. However, mesh with a tighter weave does not allow this tissue ingrowth. Instead, the body responds to the foreign material by surrounding it with scar tissue, causing discomfort and promoting friction. The area can also become infected.

Symptoms
Vaginal erosion can show up within a month to 2 years (or more) after surgical placement of synthetic mesh. You should see your physician if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
• Odor
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Pelvic pain
• Itching
• Persistent bladder or vaginal infections
• Blood in urine

You should see your physician if you experience discomfort or any out of the ordinary symptoms after your synthetic mesh implant.

Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to determine if the mesh has eroded into the vagina or the surrounding organs.

For more detailed information, you can also visit our resource library for physicians. Please note this information has been created for medical professionals and may not be appropriate for everyone.