To explore patient migration patterns in patients requiring repeat surgery after Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) repair as there is a limited understanding of care seeking patterns for repeat surgery after POP repair. We hypothesized that undergoing repeat surgery for a prolapse mesh complication would be associated with an increased incidence of migration to a new facility for care compared to those undergoing repeat surgery for recurrent POP.

In this retrospective population based study, all females who underwent an index POP repair procedure (with or without mesh) at nonfederal facilities who subsequently underwent a repeat surgery (recurrent prolapse repair or mesh complication) were identified from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development for the state of California (2005-2011). The location of index repair and repeat surgery were identified and factors associated with migration were explored.

Of the 3,930 women who underwent repeat surgery for either POP recurrence or a mesh complication, 1,331 (33.9%) had surgery at a new facility. Multivariate analysis revealed that mesh complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, P = 0.004) or native tissue same compartment recurrence (OR 1.19, P = 0.02) were both associated with increased odds of undergoing surgery at a new facility. Having surgery in a county with multiple centers increased the odds of migration to a new facility for care (OR = 1.33, P < 0.001), unless the initial repair was at a high volume institution (OR = 0.32, P < 0.001). Overall across indications, women changing locations for their second surgery tended to migrate toward select centers in urban areas.

Women who undergo repeat surgery after POP repair have similar patterns of migration to a new facility irrespective of the indication for surgery.