Sling The Mesh calls for immediate suspension of rectopexy mesh amid research concerns
Sling The Mesh is calling for an immediate suspension of rectopexy mesh operations in the UK, following the shocking revelations that suspended Bristol-based surgeon Tony Dixon is under investigation for research misconduct – allegations we flagged as long as eight years ago.
Dixon’s work has long been promoted as foundational in the adoption of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy to treat bowel complications.
His research was used to inform NICE guidelines, which in turn led to rectopexy mesh becoming the most commonly performed pelvic mesh operation in the UK. But now, that clinical foundation looks like it could be crumbling.
Expressions of concern and patient betrayal
Several of Dixon’s published studies have been marked with Expression of Concern on PubMed and one is withdrawn. A formal investigation is underway, as reported by Retraction Watch and the BBC. Retraction Watch reports that:
The withdrawal has been agreed due to concerns raised regarding the legitimacy of the data reported and allegations of a lack of informed consent from patients who underwent the surgical procedure reported within.
This isn’t just academic dishonesty – this is a clinical catastrophe. Dixon claimed in his papers that he followed up all of his patients via questionnaires to gather long-term outcome data. Yet dozens of women in our support group, who were under his care, say they were never contacted. There was no questionnaire, no follow-up – just silence.
These claims of comprehensive follow-up underpinned his research and were a key justification for embedding rectopexy mesh in clinical guidelines to be used widely across the UK and indeed globally. Now, it appears those assertions may be false.
We sounded the alarm 8 years ago
Sling The Mesh raised concerns about Dixon’s work and the aggressive promotion of rectopexy mesh as far back as 2017. We warned that women were being harmed and dismissed, and that the science was not as robust as the profession claimed. We were ignored.
Now, finally, authorities are listening – but women are paying the price.
How many more women must suffer?
This scandal must be a turning point. The NICE guidelines that were shaped in part by Dixon’s now-tainted work must be urgently reviewed, and the procedure must be suspended immediately while the full extent of the misconduct is investigated.
Women deserve evidence-based care grounded in truth, transparency, and integrity. They do not deserve to be experimented on based on potentially flimsy science.
We demand:
- An immediate suspension of rectopexy mesh procedures.
- A full independent review of NICE guidelines influenced by Dixon’s research.
- A national inquiry into how fraudulent research shaped UK clinical practice.
- That all patients affected be informed and supported, including those who never received follow-up despite claims they did.
Nine Expressions of Concern and One Withdrawal
Tony Dixon has had nine of his research papers flagged and one withdrawn. The journal has removed the article from its website and replaced it with a withdrawal notice:
The withdrawal has been agreed due to concerns raised regarding the legitimacy of the data reported and allegations of a lack of informed consent from patients who underwent the surgical procedure reported within.
The other nine papers with expressions of concern involve similar concerns but state the investigations are ongoing. The papers are as follows:
- “A Prospective Evaluation of Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy/Rectal Mucosectomy in the Management of 3rd and 4th Degree Haemorrhoids,” published in 2007, 29 citations.
- “Laparoscopic Ventral Rectopexy for External Rectal Prolapse is Safe and Effective in the Elderly. Does This Make Perineal Procedures Obsolete?” published in 2010, 103 citations.
- “Outcome of Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy for External Rectal Prolapse,” published in 2014, 44 citations.
- “Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy in Male Patients with Internal or External Rectal Prolapse,” published in 2014, 28 citations.
- “Medium-Term Results of Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) for Obstructed Defecation and Symptomatic Rectal-Anal Intussusception,” published in 2010, 32 citations.
- “Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy in the Management of Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome: A Cause for Optimism?” published in 2012, 23 citations.
- “Use of the Ethicon EndoSurgery Anoscope Retractor for Anorectal Procedures Other than Stapled Haemorrhoidectomy,” published in 2012, two citations.
- “Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy, posterior colporrhaphy and vaginal sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of recto-genital prolapse and mechanical outlet obstruction,” published in 2007, 131 citations.
- “Consensus on ventral rectopexy: report of a panel of experts,” published in 2013, 92 citations.
