Chamber and committees

Anonymous submission of 25 June 2021

PE1865/P - Suspend all surgical mesh and fixation devices

I was implanted abdominally and vaginally with sacralcolpopexy and rectopexy mesh in 2011, as a result of pelvic organ prolapse. This procedure was positively presented to me by my urology/gynecological and colorectal consultants who performed the surgery, as the gold standard treatment for my type of prolapse and the best option going forward.

Since the surgery, I have had ongoing and devastating symptoms of mesh damage including chronic pain, nerve damage, problems with mobility, and chronic bowel and bladder dysfunction and incontinence, and require daily/twice-daily use of anal catheters to irrigate my bowel and also need to use intermittent urinary self-catheterisation. I also need routine pain medication and laxatives.

My vagina was pulled up and shortened during the surgery and I am no longer able to have sexual intercourse due to scar tissue, nerve damage, and inflammation at mesh attachment sites.

My life has changed dramatically, and after struggling for many years coping with the aftermath of my surgery, whilst trying to continue working in a demanding teaching role within education, I was retired on ill-health grounds (total incapacity) in 2018 aged just 57.

I cannot underestimate what I have lost as a result of receiving mesh implantation. The impact on all areas of my life and well-being has been significant (social, mental, and emotional health, self-esteem, loss of career, my independence, and intimate personal relationships).

I urge that all surgeries using mesh and fixation devices be suspended.