Critical anatomic concepts for safe surgical mesh

A comprehensive knowledge of the boundaries, contents, and interactions between surgical spaces is essential to safely and effectively perform mesh-augmented prolapse repairs and anti-incontinence procedures. This knowledge is also critical when managing intraoperative and postoperative complications such as bleeding, visceral injury, mesh erosion, exposure, or extrusion, and pelvic pain, groin pain, and dyspareunia. We present a detailed description of the surgical spaces entered during mesh augmented vaginal repair procedures and suggest strategies to avoid nerve and visceral injuries.