Objective Mesh reinforcement in cystocele repair has become popular in recent years, with some evidence of reduced recurrence rates. In this retrospective cohort series, we aimed to assess subjective and objective outcomes, including ultrasound quantification of prolapse, following anterior colporrhaphy with and without mesh use for anterior compartment prolapse. Study design We assessed anatomical and functional outcomes of patients after cystocele repair in three tertiary urogynecology units. Outcome measures included either objective prolapse recurrence (defined as cystocele = Stage 2 ICS POP-Q or bladder descent =10 mm below the symphysis pubis on ultrasound) or subjective prolapse recurrence (defined as symptoms of vaginal lump, bulge or dragging sensation post-operatively). Comparisons between mesh use and anterior colporrhaphy-only groups were undertaken, adjusting for potential confounders (age, BMI, vaginal parity, previous prolapse repair, levator avulsion and length of follow-up) using multiple linear regression and logistic regression methods. Results 183 patients were assessed at an average follow-up of 4 years. Eight-three patients had anterior colporrhaphy between January 2002 and December 2005, and 100 had an anterior mesh repair between March 2004 and October 2008. Forty-six (55%) patients in the anterior colporrhaphy group compared to 33 (33%) in the mesh use group were diagnosed with a recurrent cystocele (=stage 2) (p = 0.002). After adjustment for age, BMI, previous vaginal delivery, previous vaginal repair surgery, and length of follow-up, the benefit of mesh on prolapse recurrence was principally experienced by women with major levator trauma. Conclusions At a mean of four years' follow-up, mesh augmentation was associated with reduced cystocele recurrence, but this effect was limited to patients with levator avulsion.