There isn't a biologic mesh out there to my knowledge that holds up long term, that is the reason many urogyns are utilizing polypropylene-it doesn't break down. The lawsuits most often have to do with technique and physicians without proper training or experience doing them than the mesh itself causing the problem. (There is a small % of women who react to the mesh itself with POP procedures just as there are with hernia surgeries.) The biologic mesh may hold up a tiny bit better than stiches alone but not by much from the feedback I've heard. I'm sure there will more studies on biologic mesh and maybe at some point they'll marry both types of mesh to get the best of both worlds.
Having a sexual partner should have no impact one way or the other, the only thing men may notice if repair is done properly.No need to warn partner.
On the job front, it will be extremely detrimental to go back to a job lifting 100# weight; it is important to do maintanence after POP surgery, lifting this weight would actually have a negative impact on the repair. Even if you held off for the 12 week max heal curve, it still wouldn't be a good idea-heavy lifting is a causal factor for POP. I find it doubtful that a dr would sign off on allowing you to lift 100# after doing POP surgery.
Sher
My urogynecologist said he uses a petri dish grown biological graft tissue instead of mesh that is cultured from human DNA to repair rectoceles, and I think he said he uses that for the cystocele as well. I think he uses something else for the TVT of the neck of the urethra. Does this offer an advantage or staying power over just sutures, and how does it compare to the mesh? He mentioned the law suit regarding the other meshes. I am nearing 50 years old. He mentioned using a vaginal approach, and placing a biological "mesh" at least in two rows, as I understand it to the left and right of the rectocele, and maybe to reinforce the cystocele. He also mentioned tacking up the uterus to the sacrospinous ligament, I think just with sutures, and it would be pulled off to the left side. Is it a problem that it will be off to the left side? I do not have a sexual partner, and have not had one for several years. I was divorced after 24 years. Is this something most partners can perceive, so that I'd better warn the person? My job requires a doctor sign I can lift 100 lbs before I can return to that job. For privacy reasons, I don't want to post the job to the public. Do you think I had better look for a different job, since it is a job that involves lifting?
Many urogyns are leary of lawsuits related to mesh; as a woman who's had synthetic mesh utililized for repair of 2 of the 3 types of POP I had, I have been very happy with it. It comes down to technique; it is extremely important to have a surgeon well schooled in mesh technique and knows proper positioning, how to prep location, and what degree of tension necessary. When done properly, syn mesh gives you the most long-term result-the ideal in my mind is to have synthetic mesh by an expert, do maintenance post surgery, and never have another surgery for POP.
I'd suggest you get a 2nd opinion prior to making your decision; it may clarigy a few things for you. Check records of any and all surgeons who will be doing procedures for you on watchdog sites like ratemds & healthgrades. (By typing in drs name these sites will typically come up.)
Sher