Comparison of vaginal mesh extrusion rates between a lightweight type I polypropylene mesh versus heavier mesh in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse

The objective of the study was to compare extrusion (vaginal mesh exposure) rates in patients undergoing transvaginal prolapse repair with the trocar-based Apogee and/or Perigee devices (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA) using either the original type I polypropylene mesh (IntePro, American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA) or a newer generation lightweight type I mesh (IntePro Lite, American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA). Data were pooled from three similarly designed prospective multicenter studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of Perigee for correction of the anterior (AC) and/or Apogee to repair the posterior/apical (PC/A) compartments. The first two studies utilized IntePro (mesh density 50 g/m(2)) and the third utilized IntePro Lite (mesh density 25.2 g/m(2)). Data were pooled to form IntePro and IntePro Lite groups for comparison. Patient demographics were recorded. Risk factors for vaginal mesh exposure were also considered. Two hundred and sixty-three patients were implanted with Perigee and/or Apogee with IntePro for a total of 371 heavier mesh implants (174 Perigee, 197 Apogee) compared to 86 patients who underwent Perigee and/or Apogee with IntePro Lite for a total of 116 lightweight mesh implants (60 Perigee, 56 Apogee). Demographics and potential risk factors for extrusion were compared between the two groups. Mean follow-up was 2.0 years and similar between the two groups. In the AC, there were 234 implants, with mesh extrusion occurring in 8.0 % following IntePro compared to 5.0 % following IntePro Lite (p = 0.57). In the PA/C, there were 253 implants, with mesh extrusion occurring in 13.7 % following IntePro compared to 7.1 % following IntePro Lite (p = 0.25). Overall mesh extrusion rates in 487 implants in all compartments were found to be 11.1 % with IntePro versus 6.0 % with IntePro Lite with an estimated odds ratio of 1.93 (95 % confidence interval 0.84-4.44, p = 0.12). No statistically significant difference in extrusion rates were seen following use of IntePro versus IntePro Lite; however, the 46 % reduction in rate of mesh exposure observed in those receiving the lighter weight mesh may represent clinical importance.