Systemic allergic reaction to polypropylene mesh used in surgical treatment of cystocoele. A case report

We report the case of a 38-year-old patient who presented symptoms of severe systemic allergic reaction to polypropylene mesh used in treatment of urinary stress incontinence and cystocoele with central and lateral defect repair using the double TOT approach technique. Disease process, complications, and diagnostic and therapeutic process are described. The patient was discharged from hospital 27 days after the procedure. 10 weeks after surgery a part of the polypropylene mesh was removed because of erosion. The final result of surgical treatment of urinary stress incontinence was very good. The authors are convinced that the ”double TOT approach” is a safe and effective technique in the surgical management of cystocoele. Prolene is a very valuable material for use in surgical practice. The authors also believe that use of obligatory screening tests for hypersensitivity to polypropylene is not economically efficient because that kind of allergy is extremely rare. If the patient’s clinical and allergic history is positive for polypropylene, skin patch tests should be conducted before surgery using polypropylene materials.