Tobacco use is a risk factor for mesh erosion after abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between smoking and vaginal mesh erosion after abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy with the use of type 1 polypropylene mesh.

STUDY

DESIGN

All cases of mesh erosion (n = 27) that were diagnosed between October 2003 and June 2006 were identified and compared with matched control cases (n = 81). Control cases were matched for age, diabetes mellitus status, hypoestrogenic state (menopausal status, chronic steroid use, use of hormone therapy), abdominal-vaginal rectocele repair, culdoplasty, and concomitant hysterectomy. Demographic data, surgical characteristics, and postoperative complications were also compared between groups. Continuous data were compared using 2-sample Student t tests. Categoric data were compared with the use of Pearson Chi-square tests.

RESULTS

The odds of experiencing mesh erosion was significantly greater in smokers than in nonsmokers (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.3, 14.4; P = .010) when potential confounders were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Tobacco use is a risk factor for vaginal mesh erosion after abdominal sacral colpoperineopexy with the use of type 1 polypropylene mesh.