A study into the degradation of vaginal mesh implants after being implanted in the pelvis shows “more damning evidence about their dangers”, a Cambridgeshire campaigner says. 

Research from the University of Sheffield found the material used to make the controversial devices begins to break down within two months of being inserted.  

Polypropylene particles were also found in the tissue surrounding implant sites.

Kath Sansom, a patient safety campaigner from March, is calling for “immediate action” from the medical community and regulators.  

In 2015, she set up the Sling the Mesh campaign and it now has nearly 11,000 worldwide members who have experience of complications following the procedure.  

Kath Sansom, set up the Sling the Mesh campaign in 2015. Kath Sansom, set up the Sling the Mesh campaign in 2015. (Image: Kath Sansom)In a statement, she said: “This study confirms what many of us have suspected – that the mesh becomes unstable, causing harm that is irreversible.  

“It’s critical that this new research is used to drive immediate changes in medical practice – including the need for surgeons to re-learn traditional skills using trusted native tissue methods to fix prolapse and stress incontinence – without plastic mesh.  

“Patients deserve better. We must prevent further suffering.”  

Vaginal mesh implants are used to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Vaginal mesh implants are used to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. (Image: Newsquest) Referring to regulation, Kath added: “A shocking fact of our UK ‘regulator' is they rely on a voluntary reporting system called The Yellow Card, to track harmful side effects of drugs and devices like mesh.  

“Due to its voluntary nature many complications go unreported. It means products can continue harming people for years or even decades with no database to prove the scale of suffering. 

“Yellow Card reporting needs to be made mandatory as a matter of urgency.” 

Dr Alison Cave, from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said the use of surgical mesh to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse has been subject of restrictions since July 2018.  

She explained: “Exceptions are made in cases where this type of mesh may be the only treatment option that is right for a woman.  

“However, it should only be used for carefully selected patients who have been informed of, and understand, the benefits and risks, and where all other treatment options have been explored.  

“MHRA keeps devices under continuous review and we assess all new and emerging evidence.”