Information for the public

What has NICE said?

What has NICE said?

Sacrocolpopexy using mesh to repair vaginal vault prolapse works well enough for use in the NHS, but has serious, well-known risks.

NICE is asking health professionals to send information about everyone who has the procedure and what happens to them afterwards to a database so that the safety of the procedure can be checked over time.

What does this mean for me?

Your health professional should fully explain what is involved in having this procedure, and discuss the possible benefits and risks with you. They should explain that there is a risk of vaginal vault prolapse happening again. Also, they should tell you about the possibility of serious complications, including mesh erosion. This is when the mesh breaks down or penetrates the vagina or other organs nearby, causing damage. You should also be told how to find more information about the procedure. All of this should happen before you decide whether you want to have this procedure or not.

Your health professional may ask you if details of your procedure can be collected.

Your healthcare team

Clinicians experienced in managing pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence in women should decide which patients should be offered this procedure and carry out treatment. They should have specific up-to-date training in the procedure, and do it regularly.

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