Evaluation of endoscopic laser excision of polypropylene mesh/sutures following anti-incontinence procedures.

PURPOSE: We reviewed our experience with and outcome of the largest series to our knowledge of patients who underwent endoscopic laser excision of eroded polypropylene mesh or sutures as a complication of previous anti-incontinence procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 female patients underwent endoscopic laser excision of suture/mesh erosions at 1 center during a 10-year period. Primary outcome variables were the requirement of additional endoscopic or open surgery to remove mesh/sutures. Secondary outcome variables were persistence of urinary symptoms, postoperative complications, continence status and requirement of additional anti-incontinence procedures. RESULTS: The mean interval from previous surgery to erosion was 59 months (range 7 to 144) and the duration of presenting symptoms ranged from 3 to 84 months (mean 19). Ten patients underwent endoscopic excision of the mesh/suture with the holmium:YAG laser and 2 underwent excision with the thulium laser. Mean operative duration was 19 minutes (range 10 to 25) and followup was 65.5 months (range 6 to 134). Postoperatively 6 patients remain asymptomatic and 2 required a rectus fascial sling for recurrent stress urinary incontinence. Four patients underwent a second endoscopic excision due to minor persistence of erosion. Only 1 patient ultimately required open cystotomy to remove the eroded biomaterial. No intraoperative complications were recorded and all patients are currently asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic laser excision is an acceptable first line approach for the management of eroded biomaterials due to its high long-term success rate and minimally invasive nature.