A US vaginal mesh surgeon involved in a row about treating Scottish patients will give evidence to MSPs considering a long-running petition calling for an inquiry into the safety of the implants.

Dr Dionysios Veronikis, who is based in Missouri, will appear before a meeting of Holyrood’s Public Petitions Committee on Thursday afternoon via video link.

Last year Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced he would be brought to Scotland to carry out and train doctors in mesh removal procedures which he developed.

But the surgeon later withdrew his offer to travel over, accusing ministers of inaction and needless delays.

Johann Lamont MSP, Convener of the Public Petitions Committee, said campaigners have “great faith” in the techniques being pioneered by Dr Veronikis.

“They believe that his work offers an important glimmer of hope for the women whose lives have been scarred by mesh operations’ impact,” she said.

“That hope has now been significantly dimmed as a result of the relationship between the Scottish government, NHS Scotland and Dr Veronkis breaking down.

“We want to hear Dr Veronikis’ views and understand the issues from his perspective, as well as to find out what, if anything, our Committee can do to advocate on behalf of the women whose futures potentially hinge on this doctor.”  

Transvaginal mesh used to be routinely used to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, however concerns about the long-term impact of the implants began to emerge in the mid-2000s.

A report last year outlined the “harrowing” experiences of women who suffered problems with the implants, with common symptoms including pain in the legs, groin, abdomen and back, autoimmune disorders and reduced mobility..

Earlier this year, a government expert group found the NHS in Scotland did not stick to guidelines for treating women suffering from the complications of mesh implants and recommended the setting up of a new single national service.

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