Family run UK medical device business, Mediplus says its silicone pessaries offer a safe non-surgical alternative, eliminating the clinical risks associated with surgical mesh.
Background
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common symptom that can affect women of all ages, and can vary in severity and nature. Whilst non-threatening to life, incontinence may seriously influence the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of those affected, which can, in turn impact upon their families and careers. Yet women who suffer from incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse from obesity, heavy lifting, smoking, chronic constipation or childbirth don’t always need surgery according to a pioneering British medical device manufacturer.
Mediplus has been supplying the healthcare sector with patient centric products for 30 years, focusing on two key clinical areas – pelvic floor, which includes urology, Urogynaecology, gynaecology, gastroenterology, and critical care which covers anaesthetics and general surgery sectors.
Urinary incontinence and prolapse have been surgically treated with the use of surgical mesh. However this has led to many women experiencing traumatic side effects. Indeed 2014 saw the withdrawal of surgical mesh in Scotland and in the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is also reviewing its guidelines to offer improved guidance on how to assess and treat the problem.
An independent study, carried out by the NHS Information Services Division (ISD) has also found that mesh procedures for prolapse involving the bladder or bowel were less effective than non-mesh operations and much more likely to lead to longer-term complications.
Over the last 10 years, Mediplus has worked closely with clinicians to develop a range of silicone pessaries that provide an effective way to manage pelvic organ prolapse. Used to help more than 32,000 UK women each year lead a better quality of life, the devices can also be used in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Being non-invasive, a pessary improves the quality of life for the patient and enables women to continue normal, everyday activities.
Company comments
Pelvic Floor Product Manager at Mediplus, Francesca McCabe, said: “Often when women seek medical advice they are offered surgery as the only solution without discussing the non-surgical options such as lifestyle, physiotherapy aided pelvic floor exercises and pessaries.”
“Surgery is not always a long-term solution as younger women will often require repeat surgery at a later date and any surgery carries the risk of side effects. As a company, we want to raise awareness of pessaries as they are a safe, non-surgical alternative which offer a long-term solution.”
Source: Mediplus
published: January 10, 2017 in: Gynaecology/Obstetrics