Vaginal Mesh Complications and Revision Surgery in Katy, TX
If you have pain, bleeding, discharge or discomfort with intimacy after a mesh procedure, you deserve a careful evaluation from a specialist who understands pelvic floor surgery.
Synthetic mesh has been used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Most women do well, but some develop complications such as mesh exposure through the vaginal wall, pain, infection or urinary problems. At our Katy office, Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy, a board-certified urogynecologist, evaluates mesh-related symptoms and discusses options that range from medication to partial or complete mesh removal.
Understanding Vaginal Mesh and Its Complications
Mesh is a synthetic material placed to support weakened pelvic tissues. It has been used in three main ways: as a mid-urethral sling for stress urinary incontinence, in abdominal prolapse repairs (sacrocolpopexy), and through the vagina for prolapse repair. In 2019 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered manufacturers to stop selling transvaginal mesh products for prolapse repair. Mid-urethral slings and abdominal prolapse repairs remain in use and have a long track record.
Complications can appear soon after surgery or many years later. They may be caused by the mesh wearing through the vaginal tissue, by scarring and tightening around the mesh, or by the mesh irritating nearby nerves, the bladder or the bowel.
Not every symptom after mesh surgery is caused by the mesh. A thorough evaluation helps separate mesh-related problems from other causes such as recurrent prolapse, overactive bladder or pelvic floor muscle tension.
Signs of a Possible Mesh Complication
Symptoms can be mild or significant, and some women notice them years after the original surgery.
Vaginal and pelvic symptoms
- Vaginal pain, or a feeling of something sharp or rough in the vagina
- Pain during intercourse, or a partner feeling the mesh
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Pelvic, groin or thigh pain
- Recurring vaginal infections
Bladder and bowel symptoms
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or a slow stream
- New urgency, frequency or leakage
- Repeated urinary tract infections
- Blood in the urine
- Painful bowel movements or rectal bleeding
Bring any records you have from your original surgery, including the operative report and the type of mesh used. These details help guide your evaluation and treatment.
When Should You Be Evaluated?
- You have any of the symptoms above and have had a sling or mesh procedure
- A previous doctor has told you mesh is visible in the vagina
- Your incontinence or prolapse has returned after mesh surgery
- You want a second opinion before deciding on mesh removal
Seek urgent care for fever with pelvic pain, inability to urinate, heavy vaginal or rectal bleeding, or severe pain. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room in an emergency.
Mesh Complication Care From Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy
Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy is board-certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (urogynecology) and in obstetrics and gynecology, with additional board certification in advanced minimally invasive gynecology. Her fellowship at Wayne State University focused on the pelvic floor surgery that mesh complications involve.
She takes time to understand your history and your priorities, explains what can realistically be achieved, and only recommends surgery when the expected benefits outweigh the risks.
How Mesh Complications Are Evaluated
- Review of your surgical history: including operative reports and the type of mesh or sling used.
- Pelvic examination: to look for exposed mesh, tight bands, tenderness and prolapse.
- Urine testing and post-void residual: to check for infection and bladder emptying.
- Cystoscopy: to look for mesh inside the bladder or urethra.
- Urodynamic testing: when urinary symptoms need further assessment.
- Imaging: such as ultrasound or MRI in selected cases to locate the mesh.
Treatment Options for Mesh Complications
Treatment depends on the type of complication, where the mesh is located and how much it affects your life.
Non-surgical care
- Vaginal estrogen: can help small areas of mesh exposure heal and thicken thin tissue.
- Observation: for small exposures that cause no symptoms.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy: for muscle tension and pain.
- Medication: for infection, nerve pain or bladder symptoms.
Revision surgery
- Partial mesh excision: removing exposed or painful sections of mesh.
- Sling revision or release: when a sling causes blockage or difficulty emptying.
- More extensive mesh removal: in selected cases of persistent pain or erosion into nearby organs.
- Repair of recurrent prolapse or incontinence: using native tissue techniques when appropriate.
Removing mesh does not always relieve all pain, and incontinence or prolapse can return after removal. Complete removal is not always possible or necessary. Dr. Elshatanoufy will discuss these realities openly so you can make an informed decision. Learn more about prolapse treatment and incontinence treatment.
What Can You Expect?
Many women with small mesh exposures improve with vaginal estrogen or a minor outpatient procedure. Recovery after more extensive revision surgery takes several weeks, and some women need additional treatment for incontinence or prolapse afterward. Our goal is to reduce pain, restore comfort with daily activities and intimacy, and protect bladder and bowel function.
Mesh Complication Care in Katy, Texas
Specialist evaluation with honest guidance about what treatment can and cannot achieve.
- Board-certified urogynecologist
- Fellowship training in pelvic floor reconstruction
- Cystoscopy and urodynamic testing
- Non-surgical options considered first
- Native tissue repair when needed
- Second opinions welcome
What Our Patients Say
Patients share their experience of care at our Katy office. Individual results vary.
Dr. Elshatanoufy is simply wonderful! She took the time to thoroughly explain my extensive lab results and other tests, answered all of my questions, and gave me the confidence and peace of mind I needed before moving forward with the procedure.
The entire staff was also incredibly attentive, courteous, and welcoming throughout my visit. I truly loved my experience there and felt very well cared for. I definitely trust Dr. Elshatanoufy and her team with my health needs and would highly recommend them!
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Solafa. She is warm, attentive, and incredibly compassionate. She takes her time during appointments, listens carefully to concerns, and never makes you feel rushed. Her bedside manner is truly wonderful, and she creates such a comfortable and reassuring environment. You can tell she genuinely cares about her patients. Very sweet, professional, and knowledgeable. I’m so grateful to have found her for my mom’s treatment.
Dr. Elshatanoufy was truly lovely to work with. I’ve had a hard time pinning down my symptoms but she was willing to hear my concerns and do a thorough examination to rule out more serious conditions. She was thorough, efficient, patient, gentle, and kind during the pelvic examination, which is a vulnerable position for women. I felt that she genuinely cared for my wellbeing. After receiving less than ideal care at a neighboring practice in Katy, I am really grateful to Dr. E for validating my concerns, making me feel heard, and reassured with my next steps.
The waiting room was pretty busy and cold when I went. Suggest bringing headphones and some long sleeves!
My experience perfection. From check in to check out. Dia was my MA and she was so professional and a pleasure. She answered all my questions and made sure I was taken care of. Dr Elshatanoufy was AWESOME! Great bedside manner and make my exam comfortable. Then I had the pleasure to check out with Elizabeth and she was just as pleasant. I can tell this is an office that cares greatly for their patients!
This was my first visit at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health. It was a great experience, from checking in with a very helpful and friendly receptionist to being seeing by Nida the office manager, Oyin the NP and Dr. E. Everyone was very friendly, professional, and made the visit very comfortable. They thoroughly explained all the finding and the options for treatment. I highly recommend this practice.
Dr E. and her whole staff are gems! They have the best customer service, energy, and I noticed they are great with all other patients besides me. Dr E. really listens to your problems, offers solutions and she explains things so well. You can tell she loves what she does and does a wonderful job at it. I definitely recommend her practice to anyone seeking top notch, high quality care.
Just the kindest people! I was so at ease with the whole experience!! Very knowledgeable, explained everything and answered all my questions!!! Wish I had found her earlier in my life!!
Mi nombre es Nidia, I am a patient at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health and had my surgery less than 15 days ago. This clinic is highly recommended for its excellent medical and humane care. This type of care is provided by the entire staff, in addition to the doctor, including the receptionist, nurses, and health technicians. The surgeon is Solafa Elshatanoufy, who has more than 20 years of experience in women’s pelvic health, offering modern, effective, and minimally invasive treatments in many cases. She is a compassionate and empathetic person who makes you feel safe, listened to, and cared for by expert and professional hands. The environment is clean and welcoming, and thanks to its modernity, I felt almost no discomfort or pain during the procedures, and everything was quick.
One of the best places to see OBGYN. My mom sees Dr. Solafa. The staffs, nurses, Doctors and the services they provide are very professional and welcoming. Highly recommended.
Top-tier doctor and extremely skilled surgeon, I could not have been more blessed to have her taking care of me. Thank you, Dr. E!
Dr. E is a super great Doctor who listens attentively and collaborates closely with patients throughout every step of the process. Additionally, the office staff was professional, courteous, and efficient.
Dr. E is so kind and professional. She listened to all my concerns and had an answer to all my questions. She made sure I was happy with my medications. Her staff is so helpful and make the visit go quickly and efficiently. I am so glad I found Dr E!
Dr. E has the best bedside manner compared to all the doctors I have seen before. She is so knowledgeable and truly cares for her patients and wants the best for everyone. I feel incredibly lucky to find a doctor willing to always spare time for patients. She is amazing and 1000% worth the wait!!!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesh Complications
What is mesh exposure or erosion?
Mesh exposure means the mesh has worn through the vaginal lining and can be seen or felt in the vagina. Erosion usually refers to mesh moving into a nearby organ such as the bladder or bowel.
Does all vaginal mesh need to be removed?
No. Many women with mesh have no problems and need no treatment. Removal is considered when mesh causes symptoms that do not respond to other care.
Is transvaginal mesh still used for prolapse?
In 2019 the FDA ordered manufacturers to stop selling transvaginal mesh products for prolapse repair in the United States. Mid-urethral slings for stress incontinence and abdominal prolapse repairs are still used.
Will removing my mesh stop my pain?
Removal often improves pain, but it does not relieve pain in every case, particularly when nerves or muscles are also involved. Pelvic floor therapy and medication may still be needed.
Can my incontinence come back after sling removal?
Yes. Stress incontinence can return after a sling is removed or cut. Options for treating it again can be discussed before and after surgery.
What records should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your operative report, the name of the mesh or sling if known, and any imaging or test results related to your symptoms.
Do you see patients from outside Katy?
Yes. Women from Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and across Greater Houston are seen at our Katy office.
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Mesh Complication Care in Katy and Greater Houston
Consultations, examinations and in-office testing take place at our Katy office at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320. Surgery, when needed, is performed at an affiliated hospital in the area. We welcome new patients and second-opinion visits from Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and across Greater Houston.
Concerned About a Mesh Complication?
Get a careful evaluation and clear guidance on your options. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Katy, TX 77494