Complications of synthetic mesh inserted for stress urinary incontinence.

Objective: To provide an update on the literature regarding the management of complications secondary to synthetic mesh placed to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature using a multi-database structured search within OVID, the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) and Cochrane library databases; using the keywords: urology, incontinence, mesh and surgery.
Results: Several million synthetic polypropylene meshes have been inserted into women worldwide to manage SUI. Unfortunately, a significant number of women have now reported life-changing complications. We found a paucity of studies, heterogeneity of cohorts, poor long-term follow-up, and lack of evidence on the effective management of mesh-related complications.
Conclusions: The contemporary evidence is low-level and often contradictory, which prevents robust recommendations regarding treatment. A prospective registry will be required to generate meaningful outcome data and help in the complex management of patients who have mesh-related complications.
(© 2020 The Authors BJU International © 2020 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)