Effect of surgical mesh implant in the uterine prolapse correction

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a medical condition characterized by the loss of support of the uterus, bladder or rectum, leading to its decay over the vagina. This condition affects about 75% of women from 50 years old, and about 11% of these will perform a prolapse correction surgery before being 80 years old. The most common treatment for this dysfunction is the implant of a synthetic mesh to complement the affected organ´s support failure. Therefore, the effect of the mesh implant on the uterine displacement was studied through Finite Element Models (FEM). Several simulations were performed: healthy (without mesh) and dysfunctional (including the mesh and ligament damage). The ligaments´ damage was simulated by modifying their mechanical properties. Comparing the results from the simulations, the mesh implant reduced the movement of the uterus to values closer to healthy ones.