A woven mesh is provided for supporting tissue or an organ within a female
patient's pelvis, and a method for using the same. The mesh includes a
central portion having a width, a length, first and second ends, and
first and second side edges, and first and second wing portions extending
from the first and second ends of the central portion respectively. The
first and second wing portions each have a width, a length, and first and
second peripheral edges. The width of the wing portions are each greater
than the width of the central portion, and when positioned within the
female patient, the central portion is positioned below and supports the
tissue or organ. A mesh is also provided having woven fibers with voids
therebetween, and having a central portion and first and second ends. The
average size of the voids at least in the central portion is at least 25
50 mm.sup.2, and when positioned within the patient, the central portion
is positioned below and supports the tissue or organ.