The IUGA/ICS classification of complications of prosthesis and graft insertion: A comparative experience in incontinence and prolapse surgery

Introduction and hypothesis This is a presentation of case series after the use of alloplasic material in urogynaecology. Methods From 2004 to 2010, a total 179 patients with complications have been referred directly after the use of alloplastic material in incontinence and prolapse surgery. Of this total, 125 patients had a previous vaginal sling plasty because of urinary stress incontinence, while 54 patients underwent a prolapse surgery with mesh use. Symptoms and findings are expressed by the recently introduced International Urogynecological Association/International Continence Society (IUGA/ICS) terminology. Results The most frequent findings after vaginal sling plasty were bladder outlet obstruction, pain and tape exposure. The most frequent findings after prolapse surgery were pain and mesh erosion. The IUGA/ICS classification does not give the possibility to express functional disorders. Most revisions were done more than 2 months after surgery. After incontinence surgery, mostly the vaginal area of suture line was affected; after prolapse surgery, the vagina and the trocar passage were affected. Conclusions Mesh complication and affected site after prolapse surgery do differ from those after incontinence surgery. The IUGA/ICS classification of mesh complication facilitates the comparison of mesh complication. © 2011 The International Urogynecological Association.