Carcinogenic potential of polypropylene mid-urethral slings: what do we know so far?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Polypropylene (PP) mesh has come under increased scrutiny owing to previous FDA safety communications regarding the risks of mesh in trans-vaginal surgery and ensuing class action litigation for post-operative complications. Additional concerns have been raised regarding a possible link between implanted PP mesh and the long-term development of malignancy. Until recently, no research was specifically committed to the exploration of such a link. Our objective was to provide an overview of the recent literature focusing on any association between the use of PP mesh for midurethral sling procedures and the development of malignancy.

METHODS: Multiple online research databases were searched for information related to any possible carcinogenic potential of PP mesh.

RESULTS: There was no increased incidence in the development of malignancy after midurethral sling procedures using PP mesh in any of the studies.

CONCLUSION: Given the scarcity of evidence suggesting otherwise, the likelihood of PP mesh causing malignancy is exceptionally low. However, with few studies and an unknown latency period between exposure and diagnosis, more observational data would prove useful to exclude causality.