Stress urinary incontinence is a common problem, affecting large numbers of women. If conservative measures are ineffective then surgery is offered. Surgery involves a permanent mesh sling being placed, tension free beneath the midurethra. The standard retropubic tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) has been used since 1996 using a polypropylene mesh.(1) The use of permanent mesh in gynaecology has come under scrutiny due to significant complications for women.(2) This year the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), UK concluded that there is not enough evidence to withdraw mesh from clinical usage.(3)