About the use of surgical mesh

Use of surgical mesh

Surgical mesh is widely used for various types of hernia repair. It is also used in urogynaecological surgery, including in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The use of mesh in surgery was introduced in response to the high failure rate of both initial non-mesh surgery and revision surgery, with the aim of augmenting the surgery and reducing the failure rate.

Concerns about the use of surgical mesh

For many people, surgical procedures using mesh provide an effective form of treatment.

While many people who have mesh inserted experience no complications, a number do. Some experience complications immediately after their operation, while for others they develop years later. Complications may range from mild to debilitating and can have physical impacts and affect an individual’s quality of life.

Making an informed decision on the use of surgical mesh

Each type of mesh procedure carries its own risks and benefits. As part of the informed consent process, patients should be fully informed on what is involved in the procedure, the possible benefits and risks of complications, as well as any alternative treatment options (both surgical and non-surgical).

If you are considering surgical mesh, you should receive a copy of these patient decision guides to discuss with your surgeon and support your decision-making.

You have the right to seek a second opinion if you are not satisfied with the information you receive or would like further advice on your treatment options.

Concerns about adverse effects from surgical mesh implantation

If you have implanted surgical mesh and it causes pain, or you have concerns, contact the surgeon who implanted the mesh. Alternatively, you can contact your GP if you would like to be referred to another specialist in the use of surgical mesh.

Consumers and health professionals are urged to report any adverse events experienced in relation to the use of surgical mesh to Medsafe. Further information, including reporting forms, is available on the Medsafe website.

Actions to monitor and improve the safety of surgical mesh

In recent years, New Zealand has taken a series of significant steps to address harm and concerns related to surgical mesh. 

Starting in December 2017, Medsafe invoked the Medicines Act 1981 to require safety data from surgical mesh suppliers, which led to the removal of all mesh products for POP via transvaginal implantation and single incision mini-slings for SUI from the market in New Zealand. Other mesh products were only permitted to remain available after updating their instructions for use and adding new safety warnings.

In 2019, the Ministry of Health commissioned Victoria University’s Diana Unwin Chair in Restorative Justice to produce a report: Hearing and Responding to the Stories of Survivors of Surgical Mesh. The report summarises the themes that emerged from a restorative process to hear from New Zealand men and women affected by surgical mesh.

Between August and October 2019, over 600 mesh injured people shared their stories through either one of 32 forums held throughout New Zealand or to an online database. Additional stories were heard from family and whānau of people affected by mesh and health professionals.

The report highlights the severity of the harm and the impact on the lives of those who experience complications from surgical mesh. It proposed 19 actions to prevent future harm.

In October 2020, ACC offered to reassess declined surgical mesh injury claims based on new cover guidance. This was one of the actions agreed to in the report Hearing and Responding to the Stories of Survivors of Surgical Mesh. For more information, or to find out how to have your claim reassessed, visit the ACC website.

In 2023, Health New Zealand established a female pelvic mesh service to support and care for women who have suffered injury from pelvic surgical mesh.

Most recently, in August 2023, the Director-General of Health announced a time-limited pause on the use of surgical mesh for SUI procedures across New Zealand. This pause was implemented in response to ongoing concerns about complications and to allow further evaluation and review of safety evidence and clinical standards. The pause underscores a precautionary approach to patient safety and highlights the Ministry’s responsiveness to community voices and clinical developments. For further details, refer to the Director-General’s statement on the surgical mesh pause, and consult Medsafe and ACC for updated information and support.

The Ministry is also working with a Surgical Mesh Roundtable to gain input and advice on surgical mesh issues and to address the actions that came out of the restorative justice process and report. 

Roundtable representatives include:

• professional colleges (Royal Australasian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons)
• Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
• Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC)
• consumer representatives
• Health New Zealand
• Ministry of Health (including Medsafe). 

You can find regular updates on the progress of the restorative justice recommendations and the activity of the Roundtable on Hearing and Responding to the Stories of Survivors of Surgical Mesh: July 2025 update.