title: Informed Consent for Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.
abstract: Informed consent is the process in which a patient makes a decision about a surgical procedure or medical intervention after adequate information is relayed by the physician and understood by the patient. This process is critical for reconstructive pelvic surgeries, particularly with the advent of vaginal mesh procedures. In this article, we review the principles of informed consent, the pros and cons of different approaches in reconstructive pelvic surgery, the current legal issues surrounding mesh use for vaginal surgery, and tips on how to incorporate this information when consenting patients for pelvic floor surgery.
authors.affiliation: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. Electronic address: Pakeeza.a.alam@medstar.net.
authors.forename: Pakeeza
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Alam
authors.affiliation: Section of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Center for Advanced Pelvic Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; Section of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Urology, National Center for Advanced Pelvic Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Cheryl B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Iglesia
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D053825:Suburethral Slings; D013526:Surgical Mesh
keywords: Female reconstructive surgery; Informed consent; Urogynecology; Vaginal mesh