What is a mesh sling implant?

A mesh sling implant is a medical device used to provide support while repairing weakened or damaged tissue, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The primary purpose of these implants is to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

On April 29, 2014, the FDA issued proposals to address the risks that have been attributed to transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse via a surgical mesh implant, according to the FDA website. These proposals include reclassifying the surgical instrumentation itself from a low-risk device (Class I) to a moderate-risk device (Class II) and reclassifying the surgical mesh for transvaginal POP from a Class II to a Class III.