Campaigners warn surgeons want return of mesh

Campaigners fear moves to reintroduce mesh implants are gathering pace as surgeons back new research suggesting benefits outweigh the risks.

One £1.65m study r un by Aberdeen-based surgeon Mohamed Abdel-fattah compares a new mesh mini- sling ( SIMS) with an existing implant used to treat incontinence.

The trial’s methods were questioned, however, after it emerged a trip to Rio De Janiero was offered to the NHS surgeon who recruited most patients.

The study recruited 600 women from England and Wales to take part and results of the trial have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, with the report concluding: “The primary outcome was patient-reported success.”

The study suggested 79.1% of patients testing mini- slings said their condition improved compared to 75.6 % of patients given the existing midurethral sling.

Study authors say the trial was necessary due to the lack of data comparing the two systems. Last week Abdel- Fattah attended the European Association of Urology conference in Amsterdam to discuss the study.

Campaigners claim the trial shows there remains an influential group of surgeons and manufacturers who want to promote the continued use of mesh implants despite the devices inflicting life- changing injuries on women around the world prompting government action and huge compensation payments.

Looking at the research, they point out the clinical trial found that 1% of women with the standard tape required repeat surgery but the figure more than doubled to 2.5% with the mini- sling, and 5% of women who had the standard tape suffered long- term pain during sex – with the mini sling it was 11%, more than double. However, many surgeons support the reintroduction of mesh. But Elaine Holmes of Scottish Mesh Survivors said: “Despite all the hundreds of thousands of women suffering life-changing injuries around the world, it is quite clear that far too many surgeons are determined to see it being brought back, no matter the human cost.”

Grampian Health Board re s p o n d e d o n Ab d e l - Fa t t a h’s behalf. It said: “Professor AbdelFattah and his team are not promoting the use of mesh implants.”