Pause on the use of surgical mesh for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence
The Director-General of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, has supported, effective 23 August 2023, a time-limited pause on the use of surgical mesh for stress urinary incontinence
The reason for the pause is to enable the health system to put in place improvements that will mean better outcomes and a better experience for women who have mesh inserted as part of their incontinence treatment.
The pause is expected to be in place for several months. It is important to note that this is not a ban on the use of surgical mesh for stress urinary incontinence.
We recognise this is not news you may want to hear, but it is not a decision taken lightly. It is a step taken in the best interests of patients such as yourself.
What does this mean for me?
If you have been booked or are awaiting a stress urinary incontinence mesh procedure you and will be contacted shortly by your surgeon to discuss your ongoing management plan.
Exceptions during the pause
There may be exceptions to the pause; where you and your surgeon agree that mesh is the most appropriate treatment option for you. To recommend this, a multidisciplinary team which includes a wide range of experts, for example surgeons, radiologists and physiotherapists, must discuss the details of the case thoroughly, considering all available treatment options and agree that there is no appropriate alternative
Monitoring process
We recognise the need for the monitoring of the other operations for stress urinary incontinence that do not involve the use of mesh. A process will be put in place to manage any risks that could occur with a shift to these non-mesh stress urinary incontinence procedures, such as ensuring cases are discussed with the whole team involved in the management of a patient’s care.
We will continue to work closely together with all health providers. We are all committed to providing choice and the best treatment options to women and to helping address the serious concerns raised by women who have experienced mesh complications.
Common questions
Q. What if my situation gets worse while I am waiting to hear about alternative treatments for me?
A: If your condition changes and you are worried about your health, please contact your hospital or surgeon. They will discuss your concerns with you.
Q: What alternatives are available to me now?
A: There are several alternative treatment options available, they vary between individual patients and selecting the best one depends on the nature of your condition. Your hospital/surgeon will discuss a plan with you for your ongoing care.
Q: I am on a waiting list to have surgery – am I still able to have this? What support will be offered?
A: If you are already on the waiting list or have been given a date for your surgery, your hospital/surgeon will discuss with you a plan for your ongoing care
Q. I recently had mesh inserted to treat stress urinary incontinence - what should I do?
A: The decision to use mesh would have carefully been considered and was likely to have been the most appropriate option. Most patients have had successful stress urinary incontinence mesh procedures without complications. If you are not experiencing complications, there is no need to take any action.
If you become concerned that you have symptoms which could be related to your mesh you should follow up with your medical practitioner. More information about pelvic mesh complications and the symptoms can be found on The New Zealand Female Pelvic Mesh Service A referral to the NZ Female Pelvic Mesh Service run by Te Whatu Ora is an option to you if you are experiencing any problems that could be related to previous pelvic mesh surgery
Further information on the background for the pause can be found here