Chamber and committees

Anonymous submission of 25 June 2021

PE1865/I - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

I wish to make my thoughts, feelings and experiences known regarding Rectopexy surgery.

I was offered this surgery around 10 years ago for treatment of a rectal and vaginal prolapse.

I was given no other choices of treatment.

I was told this was 5 star Gold standard for my issues I was never told this surgery involved the use of Mesh.

I wasn’t told the type of mesh.

Surgeon had issues in theatre and procedure had to continue as an open surgery opposed to laparoscopic.

I needed a high dependency bed post operatively. There wasn’t one available so was sent back to the ward for care.

The surgeon told me after the operation that he had “hoiked” ( pulled ) everything up as high as possible.

Sadly it seems it was too high and tight.

I could not physically reach my anus, it was pulled in that much and also extremely painful.

My vagina was disfigured. All normal “landmarks“ were in a different position and it too was very high and extremely painful.

I was offered the surgery to avoid a stoma. In fact I had to have one after the surgery as was unable to pass faeces, due to tightness and incredible pain.

I have been unable to have a sexual relationship since the surgery due to extreme pain and tightness.

At the post-operative appointment, the surgeon gave scant regard to any of my conversation. He actually said that he was sure his wife would like an excuse like mine not to have sex. He was dismissive to the extreme.

Since the Rectopexy I’ve endured 7 further operations, some for parastomal hernia repair.

I am awaiting major surgery again for resiting of stoma, and a big incisional hernia down my abdomen.

I suffer pain in my hips, legs, pelvic area and back, day and night.

I have extensive neuropathy in both legs.

I was never referred to any other agency by the operating consultant.

I have serious issues with bladder, pelvic pain and waiting to be seen by urology.

I 100% believe my issues are a direct result of the Rectopexy surgery, which due to me having existing spine issues at the time should never had been performed on me.

I am 68 years old and have lost the last 10 years of my life, trying to cope and deal with the multitude of physical, mental and psychological problems created by that surgeon and Rectopexy using mesh.