South Australian women who are experiencing complications from pelvic mesh can access help from the Pelvic Mesh Clinic at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Complications arising from the use of transvaginal meshes in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence can be significant and life-altering. These can include erosion, damage, acute and/or chronic pain and infection.
In 2018, SA Health established the SA Pelvic Mesh Clinic at the RAH to support women who experienced issues after the use of transvaginal mesh.
How the clinic works
The clinic brings together experts from various health backgrounds and disciplines to work together as a team to review each woman’s individual case.
The multidisciplinary clinic allows women to consult with specialist surgeons, gynaecologists, continence nurses, pain management consultants, pelvic floor physiotherapy, urologists and psychologists.
With the range of health expertise on-hand, the Pelvic Mesh Clinic can assist women in different ways, including conservative treatment by physiotherapy in pelvic pain management.
As a result of the complex nature of these injuries, effective communication between medical experts and teams during appointments and in ongoing care is critical to ensure better patient outcomes.
What patients say
The clinic has seen 281 patients since it started, with satisfaction surveys indicating that overall, they are ‘very satisfied’ with the care and rate the overall clinic experience as ‘very good’.
Recent patient feedback includes:
“I’m finally getting some answers after 5+ years of undiagnosed effects of tape resulting in repeat surgeries to remove granulations! Many years of pain and discomfort, unnecessarily.”
“The best part of my experience with this clinic is the support from the clinic nurses. They have been very supportive and knowledgeable”
“I was able to get all my treatment at the one place. And because I am not on a pension the care was free which was a huge help”
How to access the clinic
Women who are experiencing complications from pelvic mesh can speak to their GP for a referral to the Pelvic Mesh Clinic.
Further information is available at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/pelvicmesh
Women can also secure additional advice from the Pelvic Mesh Consumer Support Line 1800 66 MESH (1800 666 374), available 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
