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Risk information

Please consult your physician to discuss the associated risk and complications for the specific surgical material you receive. Below are lists of potential adverse events for Boston Scientific's mid-urethral sling and pelvic organ prolapse surgical materials.

Potential risks associated with Boston Scientific mid-urethral sling products

The following adverse events and known risks have been reported due to suburethral (beneath the urethra) mesh sling placement, any of which may be ongoing, but are not limited to: Abscess (swollen area within the body tissue, containing a buildup of pus), Allergic reaction to the implant, Apareunia (inability to perform sexual intercourse), Bleeding from the vagina, Hematoma formation (bruising), Complete failure of the procedure/failure to resolve a patient’s stress urinary incontinence, Dehiscence of vaginal incision (opening of the incision after surgery), De novo detrusor instability (involuntary contraction of the bladder wall leading to an urge to urinate), Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), Edema and erythema at the surgical site (swelling and redness), Fistula formation (a hole/passage that develops through the wall of the organs) that may be acute or chronic, Foreign body reaction (body’s response to the implant) that may be acute or chronic, Infection, Inflammation that may be acute or chronic (redness, heat, pain or swelling at the surgical site as a result of the surgery), Irritation (redness or pain) at surgical site, Leg weakness (muscle weakness), Mesh contracture (mesh shrinkage), Erosion into the following organs: urethra, bladder, or other surrounding tissues and exposure/extrusion into the vagina (when the mesh goes through the vagina into other organs or surrounding tissue), Pain or discomfort to the patient’s partner during intercourse, Pain/Ongoing Pain/Severe/Chronic Pain in the pelvis, vagina, groin/thigh, and suprapubic area that may be acute or chronic (pain or ongoing pain just above the pubic bone, pelvis, vagina, groin/thigh area that may be severe and could last for a long time), Pain with intercourse that may not resolve, Perforation or laceration of vessels, nerves, bladder, urethra or bowel (a hole in or damage to these or other tissues that may happen during placement), Scarring, scar contracture (tightening of the scar), Stone formation (as a result of mesh erosion/exposure/extrusion in the urethra or bladder where the mesh is exposed to urine, mineral deposits may form along the mesh, also known as stones), Tissue contracture (tightening of the tissue), Voiding dysfunction: incontinence, temporary or permanent lower urinary tract obstruction, difficulty urinating, pain with urination, overactive bladder, and retention (involuntary leakage of urine or reduced or complete inability to empty the bladder from the mesh being implanted too tightly beneath the urethra). The following additional adverse events have been reported for the Solyx SIS System: Dysuria (painful/difficult urination), Hematuria (blood in the urine). The occurrence of these events may require surgical intervention and possible removal of the entire mesh. In some instances, these events may be permanent after surgery or other treatments. Removal of mesh or correction of mesh-related complications may involve multiple surgeries. Complete removal of mesh may not be possible and additional surgeries may not always fully correct the complications.

Potential risks associated with Boston Scientific Upsylon™ Y-Mesh or Polyform™ Sheet Mesh products

Potential adverse events, any of which may be ongoing, include but are not limited to: Abscess (swollen area within the body tissue, containing a buildup of pus), Adhesion formation (when a scar extends from within one area to another), Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to the implant, Bruising, Bleeding, Constipation, Dehiscence (opening of the incision after surgery), De novo detrusor instability (involuntary contraction of the bladder wall leading to an urge to urinate), Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse) that may not resolve, Sexual dysfunction (difficulty with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain); including the inability to have intercourse, Erosion into organs; exposure/extrusion into vagina (when the mesh goes through the vagina into other organs or surrounding tissue), Exposed mesh may cause pain or discomfort to the patient’s partner during intercourse, Fistula formation (a hole/passage that develops through the wall of the organs) which may be acute or chronic, Foreign body reaction (body’s inflammatory response to the implant) which may be acute or chronic, Granulation tissue formation (reddish connective tissue that forms on the surface when a wound is healing), Hematoma formation (a pool of blood under the skin/bruising), Hemorrhage (profuse bleeding), Infection, Inflammation (redness, heat, pain or swelling at the surgical site as a result of the surgery) which may be acute or chronic, Injury to ureter (the duct that urine passes from the kidneys to the bladder), Scarring/scar contracture (tightening of the scar), Mesh contracture (mesh shrinkage), Tissue contracture (tightening of the tissue), Necrosis (death of living tissue in a small area), Nerve injury (injury to the nerve fiber), Organ perforation (a hole in or damage to these or other tissues that may happen during placement), Pain: pelvic, vaginal, groin/thigh, dyspareunia—which may become severe, Perforation or laceration of vessels, nerves, bladder, or bowel (a hole in or damage to these or other tissues that may happen during placement), Post-operative bowel obstruction (blockage that keeps food or liquid from passing through the small or large intestines), Prolapse/recurrent prolapse (complete failure of the procedure), Vaginal shortening or stenosis which may result in Dyspareunia and/or Sexual Dysfunction, Voiding dysfunction: incontinence, temporary or permanent lower urinary tract obstruction, difficulty urinating, pain with urination, overactive bladder, and retention (involuntary leakage of urine or reduced or complete inability to empty the bladder). The occurrence of one or more of these complications may require treatment or surgical intervention. In some instances, the complication may persist as a permanent condition after the surgical intervention or other treatment. Removal of mesh or correction of mesh-related complications may involve multiple surgeries. Complete removal of mesh may not be possible and additional surgeries may not always fully correct the complications.

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Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician.

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