Position of Ibero‐American Society of Neurourology and UroGynecology (SINUG) on the use of vaginal meshes in pelvic organ prolapse

AIMS: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a very prevalent condition with a great impact on women's quality of life. At present, there is great controversy regarding the use of mesh in POP surgery. To understand the current moment, it is advisable to make a brief summary of the historical evolution of mesh use for pelvic floor pathology. The aim of this paper is to establish the position of the Ibero-American Society of Neurourology and UroGynecology (SINUG for its acronym in Spanish) regarding vaginal mesh reconstructive surgery. METHODS: A working committee from the SINUG's scientific board performed a literature search about the use of vaginal meshes for pelvic organ prolapse reconstructive surgery and about the position of different societies. We analyzed the evolution into three periods: before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) statement, FDA statement, and after the statement. SINUG drew up a position statement regarding vaginal mesh reconstructive surgery, based on the available scientific evidence and the evolution of its use in different contexts. RESULTS: Before mesh appearance in the 1990s, native tissue repair was the surgical treatment of choice for POP. Vaginal mesh reconstructive surgery has been frequently accompanied by procedure underestimation by inexperienced surgeons, besides inadequate diagnoses and indications. This situation led to the presentation of serious complications including mesh extrusion, exposure, and contraction. CONCLUSIONS: Once reviewed the available evidence and the position of different societies, SINUG presents its vision in this communication, which is a summary of the document prepared by the society's scientific board.