Use of synthetic mesh in pelvic reconstructive surgery: a survey of attitudes and practice patterns of urogynecologists

This study surveyed attitudes and practice patterns of urogynecologists regarding the use of synthetic mesh in pelvic reconstructive surgery. A web-based survey was administered to members of the American Urogynecologic Society. The survey evaluated the use of the mesh for sacrocolpopexy, suburethral sling, and vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery. The survey had a 30.5% response rate. One hundred one (39%) respondents were women, and 158 (61%) were men. One hundred forty-seven (56.8%) participated in fellowship training. Two hundred forty-seven (99.5%) currently perform procedures using synthetic mesh, including 93% who perform sacrocolpopexy and 93% who perform suburethral slings. In a logistic regression model including gender, fellowship training, and practice setting, male surgeons and those who had not undergone fellowship training were more likely to use the mesh than those who were fellowship trained. Respondents use the mesh most commonly when performing sacrocolpopexies and suburethral slings. The use of the mesh for anterior and posterior colporrhaphy is less common.