In the US, ~350,000 urogyenoclogic meshes are implanted in women annually. ~ 5% are removed for mesh related complications, most commonly mesh exposure and pain. In biofilms, bacteria are less active and less sensitive to antibiotics and human immune system due to the formation of an “exopolysaccharide shield” on the implant surface. Biofilms induce subclinical infection characterized by chronic inflammation at the site of implantation and pain - a paradigm that is compatible with the findings for mesh complications. Here we aimed to: 1. Test the susceptibility of commonly used polypropylene meshes to bacterial biofilm formation; 2. Examine mesh-tissue complexes removed from women who experienced mesh complications for the presence of biofilms.
Rui Liang, MD [Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA]
Coauthors
University of Pittsburgh: S L Palcsey, G E King, P A Moalli