Objectives: We report our experience with removal of synthetic and biologic implants used in pelvic reconstruction in a tertiary referral center from 2005 to 2012.
Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients who underwent surgical implant removal for treatment of implant-related complications. Symptoms were determined by patient self-assessment including validated questionnaires. One hundred seventy-nine patients completed follow-up.
Results: Three hundred six patients underwent removal for exposure or erosion (57%), pain (46%), and urinary symptoms or incontinence (54%). Ninety patients (29%) had previous revision. Eleven percent had pelvic organ prolapse (POP) implants, 48% had sling implants, and 41% had both implants. Mean time from removal to follow-up was 2 years (median, 2 years; range, <1-7).The majority of patients experienced symptom improvement after implant removal. Seventy-eight percent of those with pain reported pain improvement, 9% reported no change, and 14% experienced worsening. Symptom improvement was reported by 79% of those who underwent removal of a POP implant alone, 79% of those who underwent removal of POP and sling implants, and 83% of those who underwent removal of a sling alone. Quality of life was significantly improved after implant removal overall (P < 0.05) for those who underwent removal of POP and slings, and slings alone, but not for those with POP removal only.
Conclusions: Pain is among the most common symptoms reported in women referred to our institution for implant-related complications. In a series of 306 complex patients with a range of implants and symptoms, removal improved implant-related pain in the majority of patients.