Vaginal erosion, sinus formation, and ischiorectal abscess following transobturator tape: ObTape implantation

A 50-year-old woman was referred for evaluation with an 8-month history of intermittent malodorous vaginal discharge initially noted 2 months after placement of a transobturator tape for stress urinary incontinence. Evaluation revealed erosion of the tape through the vaginal wall with a sinus tract associated with an ischiorectal abscess. Surgical removal of the tape with excision of the sinus tract, drain placement, and antibiotic therapy was needed for complete resolution of the symptoms. Infectious complications need to be considered when counseling women prior to synthetic sling placement. A high index of suspicion, meticulous sub- and periurethral inspection, along with aggressive surgical management are required to treat an infected draining abscess following synthetic transobturator sling placement.