The Leicester specialised mesh complications service set up in August 2021 in response to recommendations by the First Do No Harm report. We are one of nine specialist centres in England supporting and treating women with mesh complications after surgery for urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse. We are based at both the Leicester General Hospital and the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
You can find out more about pelvic mesh complications here: Specialised services for women with complications of mesh inserted for urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse.
Our team
We have a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) which includes surgeons, imaging specialists, pain specialists, nurse specialists, physiotherapists and clinical psychologists.
Making a referral
We accept referrals from GPs and hospitals from the Midlands. Referrals can be made by e-mail to the UHL Mesh mailbox at [email protected] or via the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) to urogynaecology or urology.
Referrals received via the UHL Mesh mailbox are acknowledged within 24 hours. All referrals are initially discussed at the monthly MDT meeting and referrers will be notified of the date and time for this. An invitation for referrers to join the discussion virtually is offered. Patients will be informed of any investigations that are required and an outpatient consultation will be arranged.
Leicester specialised mesh complications service contact details:
Amina Pirji (Mesh MDT & Data Coordinator)
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0116 258 4817
Training for GPS
A programme to help GPs better understand pelvic mesh complications is available through Health Education England e-learning for healthcare. This resource has been developed to aid GPs’ awareness and understanding of pelvic mesh, their potential complications and symptoms and the referral process to specialist mesh centres.
For more information and to access the resource, please visit the pelvic mesh complications programme page.
Pre-operative assessment
If your surgeon has recommended that you need an operation, you will be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment clinic before your surgery. This is usually taking place 1 to 2 weeks beforehand.
This appointment can take a few hours and is to make sure you are well enough and fully prepared for your surgery.
The pre-operative assessment nurses will arrange all relevant tests. You may have several tests and investigations at the clinic or scheduled for another date. These tests need to be carried out in Leicester so that we have all the results readily available to us before your surgery.
Follow-up after surgery
You will continue to be followed-up after your surgery. We provide long-term follow-up for up to five years. Appointments can be in-person or by telephone depending on what is appropriate and convenient for you.
Information about surgery
The decision aids provide you with information about the different types of surgical treatments that are available. They range from minor to major operations. Along with your surgeon, the aids help you decide the type of treatment you should have.
Decision aid: Removing mesh for urinary leakage –This explains surgical treatment options for mesh complications where mesh (tapes) was inserted for leakage of urine. Generally, two types of tapes were used. A retropubic tape (TVT) has portions of mesh in the vagina and pelvis. A transobturator tape has portions of mesh in the vagina and inner thighs.
Decision aid: Removing mesh for prolapse – Mesh for prolapse could have been inserted through the vagina or through the tummy (abdomen). Abdominal mesh operations lift the top of the vagina or womb and are attached to the backbone higher up in the pelvis. Mesh inserted through the vagina lies under the lining of the vagina. They may have mesh arms that anchor the mesh in place.
Removal of transobturator tape (TOT)
Removal of retropubic tape (TVT)