Contact Details:

The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center

2460 I-35E Suite 215-B

Waxahachie, TX 75165

(469) 800-9832

The vast majority of people who have a hernia repaired with synthetic mesh recover without issues and are able to resume their normal activities. Multiple clinical studies have shown that mesh repairs carry a lower recurrence rate than non-mesh repairs with a few exceptions.

Like any other implantable device, Mesh placement has the potential for problems (e.g., vascular graft, joint or heart valve replacement, etc). Infections, excessive scar tissue, erosion into other organs, chronic discomfort, and other problems are all rare but possible side effects of mesh hernia treatments.

WHAT IS HERNIA MESH USED FOR

Mesh-related issues could be caused by a variety of variables, including surgical technique, mesh material, anatomy, the quality of the tissue, inflammation, infection, and other physiological reactions, or a combination of factors. It’s crucial to note that some of these issues can also occur in operations that don’t use mesh. Mesh is sometimes utilized in treatments other than hernia repair, such as pelvic surgery, and the difficulties reported in such procedures do not always apply to hernia 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. Even if a mesh is recalled, it does not necessarily have to be removed.

Meshes are flat “screens” made of a variety of materials that act as extra barriers to prevent organs or tissue from pressing through the hernia defect. A good visual is that of a woven window screen (though not made of metal). The two most common mesh materials are polypropylene and polyester, which are also used in plastics, fiber, and textile.

To lessen the risk of hernia recurrence, hernia surgeons use suitably-selected, FDA-approved mesh reinforcement for the great majority of inguinal and ventral hernias. Dr. Iskandar will have a detailed discussion with you to hear any questions and concerns you may have. This will include talking about the benefits, drawbacks, and hazards of mesh-based procedures. The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center continues to evaluate new data on mesh materials in order to help select the safest and most appropriate mesh options for our patients.

Hernia mesh, or surgical mesh, is a medical device that reinforces and supports the tissue around a hernia as it heals. Surgeons place the mesh across the area surrounding the hernia. In some cases, the mesh is attached with sutures, staples, glue. Pores in the mesh allow tissue to grow into the device, to make the repair stronger. Hernia mesh is used in nine out of 10 hernia surgeries annually in the U.S.

Hernia mesh can be used with either laparoscopic surgery (aka minimally invasive and/or robotic surgery) or open surgery. The severity of your hernia is more determinative of the type of surgery you receive than the material used to repair it.