OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe conservative surgical mana
gement of polyethylene terephthalate (Mersilene, Ethicon, inc, Somerville,
NJ) mesh suburethral sling erosion as an alternative to sling removal.
STUDY DESIGN: Seven women who had undergone suburethral sling procedures wi
th Mersilene mesh were found to have varying degrees of mesh visible in the
vagina at 4 to 12 weeks after the operation. Three women with erosions <5
mm were treated in the office and 4 women who had 6 to 30 mm erosions under
went inpatient surgical revision, which consisted of trimming of mesh when
needed, excision of granulation tissue, and re-covering of the erosion in 2
layers.
RESULTS: Ail 7 patients have been followed up for 6 to 37 months. Only 1 wo
man who underwent inpatient surgical revision had a recurrence (4 mm); this
was treated successfully in the office.
CONCLUSION: Vaginal erosions in suburethral sling procedures with Mersilene
mesh can be managed initially with our conservative surgical technique.