Vaginal Mesh Complications — Include
Autoimmune / Systemic / Allergic Reactions?

It has come to Dr Miklos’ attention that vaginal mesh might produce autoimmune, systemic, and allergic reactions such as: rash, welts, hives, itching, urticaria, dry eyes, muscle aches/pain, malaise, hair loss, and fibromyalgia.  Though science does not support that synthetic mesh causes the above problems, it is well known that there are people without mesh who have very rare allergies to things such as: sunlight, sweat, hormones, human touch, and even water.   I understand this is hard to believe but it is true.  If a person can be allergic to sunlight, is it not possible a patient might be allergic to synthetic polypropylene mesh.

Dr Miklos has been removing mesh for more than 25 years and because he does not have all the answers about the potential for mesh complications he continues to study and learn from his patients as well as scientific journals and texts.  He addresses the following questions.

  • Can mesh cause systemic disease?

Though not scientifically proven mesh might cause systemic reactions in some patients.  Dr Miklos has seen patient conditions of: rashes, welts, dry eyes, muscle soreness /pain and hair loss improved or cured after mesh removal.

  • Is Mesh associated with autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue, organs, and cells as they have mistaken them for foreign tissue.  According to a 2022 article in ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, there is no evidence that being implanted with a polypropylene (PP) mesh causes autoimmune disorders. However, studies have shown the polypropylene can irritate and exacerbate an immune response.  The response is an autoimmune variant.

  • Does Mesh cause skin allergies?

There are scientific papers which support the concept that polypropylene sutures and mesh can create a skin reaction or allergy. Polypropylene mesh can cause skin allergies in some individuals. Allergies to polypropylene mesh are rare, but they do occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to polypropylene mesh may include itching, redness, swelling, and rash.

  • Do Skin reactions occur after a mesh implant?

Yes, skin reactions can occur after a polypropylene mesh implant. While it is not common, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the polypropylene mesh.  Again, symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, and rash at the site of the implant. If one is worried about getting a mesh implant many doctors will suggest doing a skin test prior to implant to see if the patient has an allergic reaction to the polypropylene mesh.

  • Does implanted mesh stimulate autoimmune disease?

There is no scientific evidence that states that polypropylene mesh causes an autoimmune disease however as stated above an autoimmune variant can be initiated by the polypropylene exacerbating an immune response.

  • Can mesh cause autoimmune disease?

There is no scientific evidence that states that polypropylene causes an autoimmune disease, but many patients feel their symptoms are that of an autoimmune disease.

  • Can welts be caused by vaginal mesh?

Yes, polypropylene mesh can cause welts in some individuals. Welts are raised, red bumps on the skin that can be itchy and uncomfortable. While welts are not a common side effect of polypropylene mesh implants, they can occur in some cases.

  • Is skin rash a side effect of mesh?

Skin rash is a possible side effect of polypropylene mesh. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to the mesh which can cause skin rash, redness, itching, and swelling. However, it is important to note that not everyone will experience these symptoms and they are not common side effects of polypropylene mesh implants.

  • Are Autoimmune Mesh complications real?

The link between autoimmune complications and polypropylene mesh is a topic of ongoing research and debate. Some studies have suggested that there may be a correlation between polypropylene mesh implants and autoimmune complications, while others have not found a significant association.  There is no definitive answer yet as to whether autoimmune complications are a real risk associated with polypropylene mesh implants,

  • Can new allergies be related to the use of mesh implants?

Although it is not a common side effect, it is possible for new allergies to arise after having mesh implants. Allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts excessively to a substance, and symptoms can vary from mild to severe. In certain cases, the body may develop an allergic reaction to the materials utilized in the mesh implant, such as polypropylene or other synthetic materials. This can result in symptoms such as itching, rash, hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties.

Page Description: Many patients complain of welts, rashes and other allergic skin reactions after mesh surgery. After removing the mesh, Dr. Miklos has seen a 99% reduction in autoimmune systemic reactions.