A number of people who received pelvic floor surgery using artificial mesh at Southmead Hospital have been informed of the outcome of investigations into their care.
After concerns were raised about pelvic floor surgery, North Bristol NHS Trust began a review of the cases of women and men who received a laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) procedure between 2007 and 2017.
Led by a panel of expert clinicians including an independent colorectal surgeon, the review has considered patients who had LVMR surgery who contacted us to discuss their cases via a helpline we set up as well as those who were recalled by us.
Today 57 of these patients have been told that although their operation was carried out satisfactorily, they should have been offered alternative treatments before proceeding to surgery.
Another 73 patients considered by the review have been told the surgery they received was appropriate, which means it was provided for recognised indications. A further 13 patients have been told that investigations into their cases remain ongoing and will be completed as soon as possible.
North Bristol NHS Trust Medical Director, Dr Chris Burton, said:
“I want to apologise to all patients who have received surgery unnecessarily – it is unacceptable and we are taking it extremely seriously.
“We took immediate action to ensure this couldn’t happen again and have been supporting patients where they need it.
“We will keep investigating to ensure we have identified those patients affected by these issues, and to find out what happened to learn lessons for future care.”