Mesh tape sling

• This is short surgery, involving a day stay or an overnight stay in hospital.
• Recovery is quick, usually about 2 weeks.
• It is not highly invasive because it involves only small cuts above the pubic bone.
• It can be done at the same time as other vaginal surgery, such as prolapse surgery.

• This surgery involves implanting a foreign material and there is a risk that your body may react to this.
• There is a higher risk of the bladder being injured during mesh insertion than in other procedures.
• If the sling is too tight and you have ongoing difficulty passing urine, the sling may need to be loosened or cut.
• There is a risk of exposure/extrusion, which may lead to the need for mesh removal surgery.
• There is a higher risk of long-term chronic pain and the ability to treat this than with the other procedures. The pain may be irreversible (even after mesh removal).
• It may not be possible to completely remove the tape or sling, especially if complications arise years after surgery.

• Mesh exposure. This is when the mesh comes through into the vagina or enters into the bladder or urethra, surrounding tissue or nerves and organs. Mesh exposure can cause severe and long-term pain. Tell your doctor if you are experiencing pain after surgery.
• Worsening of any existing auto-immune conditions or new auto-immune conditions.
• If the mesh sling is placed too tightly and you have ongoing difficulty weeing, the sling may need to be cut or loosened.

Long-term risks remain unknown.

This surgical option usually involves a day in hospital, so you usually go home the same day as the surgery. You may need to stay overnight.

For this surgical option, 1–2 weeks off work is normal.