Transvaginal (pelvic) mesh

Over the past two decades there has been a rise in the prevalence and severity of problems attributed to transvaginal (pelvic) mesh implants.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, in consultation with key stakeholders, has examined the safety and clinical aspects of the use of transvaginal mesh products for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence and supports the subsequent Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee: Transvaginal Mesh 2018 recommendation: to stop the use of transvaginal mesh products that are solely used for the treatment of most pelvic organ prolapse.

Around 8 to 15% of transvaginal mesh procedures will have a complication, of which most are minor or temporary. However, some women have experienced severe complications, with some presenting with complications several years after the procedure.

In December 2017, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration removed from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods mesh products that were solely used for the treatment of most pelvic organ prolapse (such as bladder, bowel or uterine prolapse) via transvaginal implantation.

SA Health has opened a multidisciplinary Pelvic Mesh Clinic at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, providing comprehensive health care for women experiencing major complications related to pelvic mesh implants.

A clinical referral pathway (PDF 75KB) and medical officer referral form have been developed to support clinician referral to the Pelvic Mesh Clinic. Referrals must be submitted using the designated Pelvic Mesh Referral Assessment Forms (available below).

The Pelvic Mesh Consumer Support Line: 1800 66 MESH (1800 666 374) remains in operation between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Further information and resources

The following information has been produced by the Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Health Care:


SA Health Pelvic Mesh Clinic

SA Health has established a dedicated Pelvic Mesh Clinic at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and a clinical referral pathway providing comprehensive multidisciplinary health care for women experiencing major complications related to pelvic mesh implants.

The multidisciplinary service is led by specialist Urogynaecologists / Gynaecologists with ready access to support from: 

  • Urologists
  • Urogynaecologists
  • Colorectal surgeons
  • Specialist continence nurses
  • Physiotherapists with an advanced skill level in the pelvic floor medicine
  • Diagnostic services
  • Pain specialists
  • Psychology services
  • Psychiatrists.

At the clinic, all women are assisted by a triage nurse who will discuss treatment and care options, help coordinate appointments and provide connection to support services. The triage nurse also communicates directly with all clinicians involved to ensure seamless care and management during treatment.

The Pelvic Mesh Clinic is also able to provide access to other allied health services, such as occupational health, social work, and plastic surgery as required.

As treatment will be individualised, not every woman will need to see all members of the multidisciplinary team.

The team will continue to work together along each woman’s journey.

All patients require a valid medical officer referral prior to receiving treatment at the Pelvic Mesh Clinic.

Referrals must be submitted in writing using the designated form and should contain the required minimum information to ensure timely and appropriate decision making.

The information in the referral will be reviewed to determine the clinical urgency of the patient’s condition. All appointments will be scheduled based on the patient’s clinical need.

Patient referral forms

Referrals to the Pelvic Mesh Clinic can be completed electronically through the Statewide Referral Management System.

For practices that don’t have a HealthLink account or compatible practice software, faxed, email and posted referrals are still accepted. The Patient referral to SA Health Pelvic Mesh Clinic (PDF 136KB) form must be completed and authorised by your local Medical Practitioner.

Fax: (08) 8124 1416
Email: health.pelvicmeshsupportservice@sa.gov.au
Address: Wayfinding 3E106.01, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Port Road, Adelaide SA 5000