The Effect of Medical Consultation on Patients' Concerns Regarding Vaginal Mesh Use in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine patients' background knowledge and attitudes towards the use of mesh in pelvic floor reconstructive surgery (PFRS) and the effect of medical consultation on their knowledge and attitudes about mesh use.

METHODS: New urogynecology patients seen for pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence were asked to complete pre-consultation questionnaires involving 12 questions on demographics and knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about the use of vaginal mesh. If PFRS was discussed, a post-consultation questionnaire was administered.

RESULTS: A total of 202 new patients were surveyed. Of these patients, 73.8% had heard of vaginal mesh, and most of this information came from a media source followed by their health care provider. A total of 102 of 202 patients completed both the pre- and post-consultation questionnaire. Before medical consultation, patients' "level of concern" on a Likert scale (1 = not at all concerned, 10 = very concerned) was 5.98 ± 3.04. After consultation, the level of concern decreased significantly to 4.25 ± 2.68 (P = 0.00005). Before consultation, 33.3% of patients stated that they would be willing to proceed with surgery using mesh; however, after receiving standardized information on vaginal mesh risks and complications on the basis of the most current information available, 62.8% stated that they would be willing to proceed with mesh if required (P = 0.00001).

CONCLUSION: Almost 75% of patients presenting for urogynecologic consultation had heard of vaginal mesh use, and 55.7% cited the media as their source of information. Medical consultation significantly reduced the patients' level of concern regarding the use of mesh in PFRS and significantly increased the proportion of patients willing to have mesh placed if appropriate.