title: Managing vaginal mesh exposure/erosions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the known causes, presentation, and management of synthetic mesh exposure and other healing abnormalities associated with transvaginal implantation for pelvic organ prolapse.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The recent restriction of mesh used in urogynecology to type 1 monofilament/macroporous mesh has led to recognizable patterns of healing abnormality development. Excision of exposed or contracted mesh segments usually leads to symptom resolution. There are various surgical techniques recognized to reduce the risk of exposure development. Pain, when associated with mesh use, may be more challenging to manage and may persist in a small percentage of patients. Surgeons should be aware of recently recognized risk factors for exposure development and carefully select patients for mesh implantation based on risk:benefit assessment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of synthetic mesh implanted transvaginally for urogynecologic indications is associated with recognized risks, including exposure (approximately 10%) and contraction which can usually be managed successfully with local estrogen, in-office trimming, or surgical excision of the exposed or contracted segment.
authors.affiliation: Section of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Department of Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA. davilag@ccf.org
authors.forename: G Willy
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Davila
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jijon
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D053825:Suburethral Slings / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects*