How to Fix Mesh Erosions

Surgical mesh is a material used during certain hernia, uterine and bladder surgeries. Made of synthetic materials, such as polyester and polypropylene, implanted surgical mesh supports internal organs or repairs damaged tissue. One complication of surgical mesh, called mesh erosion or extrusion, occurs when the mesh migrates through tissue or organs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert about the dangers and incidence of surgical mesh erosion. Once mesh erosion occurs, it requires medical intervention. Find out the symptoms of mesh erosion and the treatment options your doctor may perform to correct this complication.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for complications of mesh erosion. For men, the most reported symptoms include damage to organs and tissue, erosion into the stomach or esophagus, pain, hernia recurrence and infection. For women, the most common mesh erosion symptoms include abdominal pain, vaginal discharge or bleeding, painful intercourse, injury to the bowel or bladder, erosion through the intestines, abscess, recurrent prolapse of the bladder or uterus and urinary incontinence.

• 2

  Notify your doctor if you have any symptoms of mesh erosion. This complication warrants immediate treatment. If left untreated, your condition may worsen as the surgical mesh continues to cause erosion. Your doctor will schedule an appointment to see you or may send you to a hospital emergency department, if warranted.

• 3

  Expect your doctor to admit you to the hospital for treatment of an infection or abscess. This will require intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Your doctor will schedule you for surgery to remove mesh causing an erosion. Depending on the extent and location of the erosion, your condition may warrant more than one surgical procedures.

• 4

  Discuss surgical options that avoid the use of surgical mesh. Request that your doctor avoid any further use of mesh, while repairing your erosion and discuss your treatment plan prior to surgery. If your doctor advises the further use of surgical mesh, ask for manufacturer's information and read as much product data as possible, before making any medical decisions.