Independent report

Final report: Use, safety and efficacy of transvaginal mesh implants in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women

The final report from the Scottish independent review of the use, safety and efficacy of transvaginal mesh implants.

Documents

Details

This final report outlines the work of the Independent Review of the use, safety and efficacy of transvaginal mesh implants in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

The deliberations of the Independent Review have been based on considering published evidence, patient stories and the opinion of clinical experts. In addition an epidemiological study has been conducted using routinely reported Scottish hospital inpatient data.

The final report sets out a number of conclusions to improve the safeguards available. These include:

  • Mesh must not be offered routinely to women with pelvic organ prolapse
  • Reporting of all procedures and adverse events to be mandatory, in line with the guidance from the General Medical Council
  • Extra steps to ensure that patients have access to clear, understandable advice to help them make informed choices
  • In the case of surgical treatment for stress-urinary incontinence, all appropriate treatments should be available, subject to informed choice and assessment
  • Improved training for clinical teams involved in transvaginal mesh
  • Improved research into the safety and effectiveness of the products

A new oversight group will be established to ensure the conclusions are implemented.

Updates to this page

Published 27 March 2017

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