The Use of Uro-Gynaecological Mesh in Surgical Proecedures - Report to the Minister for Health

In late 2017, concerns arose about the frequency and severity of complications associated with the use of mesh devices in the surgical treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in women in Ireland; the regulation and audit of their use; the extent of use of these devices in Ireland and the availability of services for women affected by mesh-associated complications, including through the tabling of several Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Health.

In responding to these questions and in recognition of the complexity of the matters arising, the Minister requested the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to prepare a report for him on the clinical and technical issues involved in ensuring both:

• the safe and effective provision of mesh procedures in urogynaecology
• an appropriate response to women who suffer complications as a result of undergoing such procedures