Abstract

We report our experience with removal of synthetic and biologic implants used in pelvic reconstruction in a tertiary referral center from 2005 to 2012.We performed a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients who underwent surgical implant removal for treatment of implant-related complications. Symptoms were determined by patient self-assessment including validated questionnaires. One hundred seventy-nine patients completed follow-up.Three hundred six patients underwent removal for exposure or erosion (57%), pain (46%), and urinary symptoms or incontinence (54%). Ninety patients (29%) had previous revision. Eleven percent had pelvic organ prolapse (POP) implants, 48% had sling implants, and 41% had both implants. Mean time from removal to follow-up was 2 years (median, 2 years; range, <1-7).The majority of patients experienced symptom improvement after implant removal. Seventy-eight percent of those with pain reported pain improvement, 9% reported no change, and 14% experienced worsening. Symptom improvement was reported by 79% of those who underwent removal of a POP implant alone, 79% of those who underwent removal of POP and sling implants, and 83% of those who underwent removal of a sling alone. Quality of life was significantly improved after implant removal overall (P < 0.05) for those who underwent removal of POP and slings, and slings alone, but not for those with POP removal only.Pain is among the most common symptoms reported in women referred to our institution for implant-related complications. In a series of 306 complex patients with a range of implants and symptoms, removal improved implant-related pain in the majority of patients.

View details for DOI 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000191

View details for Web of Science ID 000364314600005

View details for PubMedID 26506159