Is Surgical Mesh Still Used
CAN YOU REMOVE HERNIA MESH?
In certain conditions where there is mesh infection or an undesirable mesh complication, hernia mesh can be removed.
Mesh can be removed surgically, either through open abdominal surgery or laparoscopic/robotic surgery.
Even if a mesh is recalled, it does not necessarily have to be removed. The majority of mesh used is flat sheets of polypropylene that have been used safely for decades.
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN HERNIA MESH CAUSE?
Mesh is safe and is meant to reduce hernia recurrence. It is rare for mesh to cause a problem, but mesh can be associated with infections, chronic pain, adhesions to the intestines, and erosion into the intestines.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MESH WAS USED IN MY REPAIR?
You can ask your surgeon before or after surgery if the mesh was used in your hernia repair. The best place to obtain that information is the operative report. If it has been some time since your surgery, call your surgeon’s office and inquire. Since 1980 mesh usage has increased. Currently, about 90 percent of hernia surgeries involve mesh, according to the FDA.
HOW STRONG IS HERNIA MESH?
Meshes used to repair large hernias need to withstand at least 180 mmHg before bursting. This is easily achieved as even the lightest meshes will withstand twice this pressure without bursting. All synthetic meshes are sufficiently strong.
CAN A MESH HERNIA REPAIR FAIL?
Depending on the type, size, location and technique for a hernia repair, recurrences range from one to twenty percent. Hernia recurrences are due to several factors, rarely due to mesh failure (meaning the mesh bursting or breaking). Examples of risk factors for hernia recurrence include size, multiple surgeries, and previous repairs, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and poor wound healing.
When a recurrence occurs, it becomes more complex to fix. While Dr. Iskandar performs all types of hernia surgery, he specializes in complex hernia repair surgery.