Sling the Mesh: The immune story behind mesh complications

Summary

A new study reveals how the immune system behaves in people who have had complications from surgical mesh implants.

Result? There is evidence of ongoing, abnormal immune activation throughout the body, not just at the implant site.

Most research on mesh complications looks at local problems such as damage or inflammation where the mesh is placed. However, this paper asks a bigger question. Do these patients also have a whole‑body (systemic) immune response, not just a local one?

The answer appears to be YES.

The study was conducted by a team at the NHS Newcastle Mesh Complication Centre who say the mechanisms underpinning mesh complications remain largely unknown. Also, there are no reports characterising systemic immune dysregulation – in other words, the immune system not working as it should.

The paper shows that people with mesh complications have measurable changes in their immune system throughout the body, suggesting complications may be partly driven by systemic inflammation not just local damage.