The Food and Drug Administration has recently highlighted an increase in reported complications associated with the use of transvaginal mesh.

To describe the clinical outcomes, presentation, timing and management of mesh exposure/extrusion

Retrospective study from December 2006 to March 2012. A total of 40 women had vaginal mesh exposure/extrusion secondary to prior transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery. Descriptive statistics were used for demographics and pre‐operative data. Paired‐samples t‐test was applied for comparison of pre‐ and postoperation. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mesh exposure/extrusion rate was noted to be 2.64% (17/642). Vaginal bleeding in 29 of 40 (72.5%) and hispareunia in 12 of 13 (92.3%) were identified as the most common symptoms for mesh exposure/extrusion. The onset of complications occurred in two peaks: between 3 and 4 months and after 1‐year of follow‐up. Initial conservative treatment was given for 12.5% (5/40) of women, while 87.5% (35/40) had undergone repair for mesh exposure/extrusion (21 outpatient and 14 inpatient cases). Among those who had conservative treatment, 80% (4/5) had persistent mesh exposure.

Persistent or new‐onset abnormal vaginal bleeding and hispareunia after TVM surgery should be considered as ‘red flag’ symptoms for mesh exposure/extrusion. Frequent follow‐up from the first 3–4 months up to 1 year postoperative may identify complications. Utilisation of mesh excision or trimming as the initial means of treatment may yield a better outcome.