FDA reevaluating vaginal mesh implants

Following a spike in reported complications, the Food and Drug Administration released an updated advisory Wednesday about a surgical mesh implanted in women to strengthen vaginal tissue that can become weakened, especially after childbirth. In its report, the FDA says a review of industry literature and the adverse event reports has shown little evidence that the device, which is implanted vaginally or abdominally, improves pelvic organ prolapse, where a woman's uterus, bladder, or rectum can slip out of place. The review found that vaginal implantation exposes patients to a number of serious risks. The FDA called for a September meeting of a panel of outside experts for recommendations on how to proceed.