A Brief History of Hernia Mesh – Truths and Myths

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a hernia and recommended for hernia repair surgery with a mesh implant, you’re probably wondering what the procedure entails and if a mesh implant is really necessary.

Hernia mesh has been used for many years to repair hernias. The use of mesh to repair hernias dates back to the 1950s, and it has become a common treatment option for hernias over the years. Hernia mesh is used to repair a variety of different types of hernias, including inguinal hernias, incisional hernias, and hiatal hernias.

Hernia repair surgery is a standard treatment for hernias. The procedure can be performed traditionally utilizing conventional surgical practices and laparoscopically, with an advanced robotic surgery system or laparoscopic instruments and techniques. Some hernia patients require a hernia mesh to keep their hernias from returning.

What Is a Hernia Mesh?

A hernia mesh is a surgical implant that is used to reinforce the weakened muscle or connective tissue in order to prevent the hernia from recurring. It is usually made of synthetic material, such as polypropylene, and is designed to be strong and flexible. The mesh is surgically implanted to keep the intestines and abdominal organs in place. In most cases, the implant is permanent.

Below are the most common types of hernia mesh used for repair surgery.

Synthetic mesh is made from man-made materials such as polypropylene or polyester. Synthetic mesh is a popular choice because it is strong and can be easily molded to fit the shape of the hernia.

Biologic mesh is made from animal tissue, plant-based materials, and natural materials. Biologic mesh is used when synthetic mesh is not suitable due to patient allergies or sensitivities.

Composite mesh is made from synthetic and biologic materials. Composite mesh has the strength of synthetic mesh and the benefits of biologic mesh.

Absorbable mesh is made from materials that are absorbed by the body over time. Absorbable mesh is used in cases where a permanent mesh is not necessary or desirable.

Lightweight mesh is made from materials that are not as dense or heavy as those used for traditional mesh. Lightweight mesh reduces pressure on the tissues surrounding the hernia and has a lower complication risk.

Although mesh repairs account for the majority of hernia repairs, questions have emerged throughout the years over its use, the potential for complications, and how it impacts patients. However, advances in the design and material of hernia mesh have helped to reduce the risk of these complications, and hernia mesh is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment option for hernias.

Common Misconceptions About Hernia Mesh Repair

Although mesh repairs are safe and very effective at treating hernias, many people have some common misconceptions about them that can impair their ability to make the best-informed decision about treatment.

Myth: Mesh repairs are not reliable or effective.

Fact: Hernia mesh repairs are more reliable than traditional tension repairs. Mesh creates a tension-free lattice to support the growth of scar tissue which strengthens the barrier over the hernia defect.

Myth: All hernia mesh is faulty.

Fact: While there have been instances of faulty hernia mesh causing complications, it is not accurate to say that all hernia mesh is faulty. Hernia mesh is a medical device that is used to repair hernias and has been found to be effective in many cases.

Myth: Hernia mesh migrations and rejections are common.

Fact: Hernia mesh is generally well-tolerated among hernia repair patients. However, the mesh can migrate (mesh moves away from the implantation site), curl, or fail over time. The risk of hernia mesh rejection and migrations is extremely low and dependent on various factors, such as mesh material and the patient’s body. Dr. Khosravi, MD, FACS, takes exceptional care to mitigate these concerns, such as utilizing the safest and most suitable mesh material and size, and the latest surgical technology and practices to ensure an optimal outcome for each patient.

Myth: Hernia mesh is always painful.

Fact: Hernia mesh can cause pain in some cases, but it is not always painful. The amount of discomfort a patient experiences after surgery can depend on various factors, such as the size and location of the hernia and the patient’s individual pain tolerance.

Myth: Hernia mesh is not necessary.

Fact: A hernia mesh provides additional support to the weakened portion of the abdominal wall and reduces the risk of the hernia returning. Hernia mesh is often necessary for an optimal outcome.

Myth: Hernia mesh surgery is dangerous.

Fact: All surgical procedures carry some level of risk, including hernia repairs with and without mesh. Hernia mesh surgery is safe and the standard for inguinal and other types of hernias. Complications are rare, but they can occur. To perform mesh repairs, Dr. Khosravi moves the hernia back into place and closes and seals the hole before implanting a piece of surgical mesh for reinforcement.

Myth: Hernia mesh is painful.

Fact: A mesh implant for hernia repair is safe, painless, and does not increase infection or complication risks. It does, however, speed up recovery times by providing additional support to the hernia site so patients experience less discomfort as they heal so they can resume their normal activities faster. Hernia mesh implants also reduce the rate of hernia recurrence.

Myth: Hernias don’t require medical treatment.

Fact: Not everyone with a hernia requires treatment, especially surgery. There are cases where hernias resolve without surgical intervention, but medication and lifestyle changes are necessary, and they don’t work for everyone. Most patients eventually require medical treatment, including surgery to repair their hernias to alleviate the bulge and discomfort.

Myth: Hernia Mesh repairs carry a high rate of complications.

Fact: Annually, millions of people undergo surgery to repair their hernias; many of them are Orange County Robotic General Surgery patients. The complication rate for mesh repairs is less than five percent. Complication risks are higher for certain non-mesh hernia repair procedures.

Myth: Hernia repair surgery is too invasive or a major procedure.

Fact: Hernia repairs are performed in a few ways: conventionally with one long incision and laparoscopically via several tiny incisions, and robotic assist with a robotics surgery system and laparoscopic practices. Laparoscopic hernia repair procedures are more advantageous for patients but are not ideal for some.

What Are the Benefits of Using Hernia Mesh?

Surgical mesh is a medical device that is used to repair hernias. Below are several benefits of using hernia mesh for the repair of hernias.

• Hernia mesh provides additional structural support to the weakened muscle or connective tissue to prevent the hernia from recurring.
• Using hernia mesh reduces the amount of time it takes to recover from surgery. The mesh provides additional support to the abdominal muscles.
• Hernia mesh reduces the risk of complications following surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and swelling.
• Hernia mesh reduces post-surgical pain by providing additional support to the repaired area.
• Repairing a hernia with hernia mesh improves outcome and quality of life. Mesh implants eliminate symptoms and reduce post-operative discomfort so patients can recover faster and resume physical and regular activities sooner.

Although mesh implants are beneficial for most hernia repair patients, there is also a small risk of complications. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of using hernia mesh with a qualified hernia specialist like Dr. Khosravi, M.D., before making a decision about treatment.

What Are the Risks of Hernia Mesh?

It’s important to learn the risks and complications associated with hernia mesh repairs so you can make the best-informed decision for your situation. Below are the risks associated with hernia mesh repair surgery.

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Chronic pain
• Adhesions
• Allergic reaction
• Recurrence of hernia
• Mesh migration
• Organ perforation

Hernias can sometimes recur after surgical repair, even when mesh is used. The risk of hernia recurrence depends on a variety of factors, such as hernia size, location, and the underlying cause. The risk of hernia recurrence increases when the mesh implant becomes weak or damaged. Below are additional factors that increase the risk of hernia recurrence after mesh repair.

• Being overweight or obese increases the strain on the abdominal wall.
• Chronic coughing increases pressure on the abdominal wall.
• Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles and increases the strain on them.
• History of previous stomach/abdominal surgeries thin and weaken the abdominal wall.
• Weak abdominal muscles do not provide adequate support for the mesh implant and organs and tissues within the abdominal cavity.

Hernia mesh is a medical device used to repair hernias.

Key Takeaways

Many hernia patients don’t initially have prominent bulges in their abdomen. However, hernias are progressive and normally grow over time. As the weakness or opening in the muscles grows, so does the bulge, which can lead to complications and strangulation, requiring emergency medical attention. Surgery to repair the hernia is the quickest and most effective treatment option.

Hernia mesh repair is a safe and effective treatment for hernias, and it also helps reduce the risk of hernia recurrence. However, no surgical procedure is without risk. Because there are several kinds of hernias, different surgical techniques, instruments, and materials are used to repair them, specifically surgical mesh.

Without hernia mesh repair, the risk of hernia recurrence and complications are higher. It’s imperative to follow all hernia repair surgery preoperative and recovery guidelines to avoid hernia recurrence, mesh movement, damage, rejection, and other complications.

If you’ve had or are considering hernia repair surgery and are worried about the possibility of hernia recurrence, contact Orange County Robotic General Surgery to discuss your concerns with Dr. Abtin Khosravi, MD. (714)-541-4996

 

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