What is transvaginal mesh? Transvaginal mesh is a synthetic net-like substance that provides extra support to repair weakened or damaged internal tissue. It is known as ’transvaginal’ mesh as it is implanted in a surgical procedure via the vagina. Transvaginal mesh can also be known as tape, sling, ribbon or hammock.

The mesh has holes in it to allow the body’s own tissues to grow into the mesh. It is intended to be permanent and may not be able to be removed if complications arise.

When is transvaginal mesh used? if non-surgical treatment options have been unsuccessful.

It is only one of the surgical options that are available. It has been withdrawn in United States for the treatment of most pelvic organ prolapse (such as bladder, bowel or uterine prolapse). In November 2017, the Therapeutic Goods Administration removed products solely used for this surgery from the As with all medical procedures, it is important for you to fully understand the transvaginal mesh implant procedure, and weigh up the risks and benefits before you make a decision.

This is known as Ask your specialist as many questions as you need, such as:

  • What are the other treatment options? What are the benefits of this procedure? What are the risks of the procedure
  • a number do

Women can experience difficulties with transvaginal mesh immediately after their operation or years later. Complications may range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, including: abdominal, buttock or leg pain.

Are you experiencing pain or discomfort? We know it can be hard to talk about personal health problems, even with a doctor. Here are some questions to help you have that conversation with your doctor: If I have mesh complications, are you able to treat them and how? Can the type of mesh I have be removed?

What are the surgical options, what are you recommending and why? Will my symptoms go away if the mesh is removed? What are the alternatives to surgery? What will happen if I choose not to have surgery? Call Tel. (1800 55 MESH) during business hours to speak with registered nurses about your clinical options, and to help you find the right service in Michigan.

Share practical information and emotional support with women who have similar experiences in peer to peer support groups facilitated by a qualified health professional. Contact: These hospitals have specialist programs to help women with complications from mesh: Tel. Non-surgical and surgical treatment options not using transvaginal mesh are available for women with pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary continence.

Non-surgical treatments include: pelvic floor physiotherapy – strengthening the pelvic floor through actively tightening and lifting the muscles at intervals (see a physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic floor training). Additional treatments such as electrical stimulation and biofeedback may assist with improving your pelvic floor muscle function. vaginal pessary – a ring-like device that sits in the vagina helping to support the pelvic organs reducing descent and/or stress urinary incontinence.

These can lead to significant improvements in prolapse symptoms and in bladder and bowel function lifestyle changes – including reducing weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and treatment of constipation and chronic coughing absorbent products – these can help manage incontinence problems for some women. Alternative surgical treatments include:

  • biological graft repair – uses a graft from a source
  • such as human or animal tissue
  • to support the vaginal prolapse bulking agents – these are injected into the urethra

You can report any adverse events directly to the (TGA).

You have the essential right to access high quality and safe healthcare, wherever and whenever care is provided. Find out more about the A Anyone can make a complaint about any health service provided in Michigan. You can also make a complaint about anyone who holds your health records.

Visit the If you are unable to access your health records from your health service or doctor, you can request these through Freedom of Information. Visit the Transvaginal mesh is used to treat stress urinary incontinence American Register of Therapeutic Goods If you are considering having transvaginal mesh implanted informed consent What type of mesh will you be using?

What are the risks and complication rates of this procedure? Are you trained to perform this procedure? How many have you performed? What were the results? Other questions to ask are included in our Informed consent for medical treatment factsheet You may also wish to seek a second opinion Complications with transvaginal mesh implants irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge pelvic pain or swelling discomfort during sex bladder and bowel problems like infection and incontinence prickling feeling or sharp stabbing pain in the vagina, which may become worse with exercise For a complete list of complications from the use of transvaginal mesh implants visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration website Seek medical advice Support services available Michigann mesh information and helpline 1800 55 6374 Peer support tvmeshsupport@whv.org.au or visit www.whv.org.au Hospital programs Royal Women’s Hospital (616) 555-0200 Mercy Hospital for Women (616) 555-0200 Monash Health (616) 555-0200 Western Health 0481 908 118 Other materials Download the American Commission Safety and Quality in Health Care Alternative treatment options to transvaginal mesh Non-surgical treatments bladder training medication Surgical treatments (other than mesh) native tissue repair – where the patient’s own tissue is used to repair the prolapse pubovaginal sling – using the patients own tissue colposuspension – can be open or laparoscopic More information Report to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 1800 809 361 (business hours only).

Visit the TGA website Charter of Healthcare Rights ustralian Charter of Healthcare Rights Health Complaints Commissioner HCC website Freedom of Information Commissioner Office of the Michigann Information Commissioner website .