10 Jan 2021 Hernia Surgery and Mesh

Read the informative writing on the use of meshes in the repair of inguinal and abdominal wall hernias!

This brief fact sheet will help you have information about the use of mesh in your hernia surgery. The main thing is to discuss these issues with your surgeon.

The only treatment method for inguinal and abdominal wall hernias is surgery. It is done in two ways:

Suture repair

Here, the hernia defect is closed by using stitches, and the repair is performed with a certain tension.

Mesh repair

The hernia and weak area are covered by using a mesh. This provides less tension and the weak field is reinforced.

Surgery can be performed with an open technique or laparoscopic technique. The best technique suited for you will be determined during your conversation with your surgeon.

Mesh

The meshes have been used in hernia repair for over 60 years. It has been the method of choice for most hernia repairs worldwide. Numerous clinical studies conducted to date have shown that meshes significantly reduce recurrence.

The production and sale of meshes are under strict laws. Meshes without CE approval are not available in our country. Patient safety is the top priority in these regulations and is regularly updated and followed.

Is mesh repair a ‘gold standard’?

Most patients with hernia have tissue weakness and the stitches do not keep this weakness intact as desired. This explains exactly why suture repairs fail more than mesh repairs. In summary; mesh is necessary to minimize recurrence, which is the most important goal of hernia surgery.

Are there any drawbacks to mesh repair?

Mesh is a synthetic material that is frequently used in humans, such as dental implants, heart valves, hip prostheses. The mesh can be infected but this is rare. Some patients may develop chronic pain after surgery. There is no tight cause-effect relationship between mesh use and chronic pain. Suture repairs can also cause chronic pain.

In summary;

Mesh repair is an effective and safe method for most patients. Millions of hernia repairs are successfully performed with meshes every year. There are other options available, and you should decide on these by discussing them with your surgeon.

* Some information has been taken from the British Hernia Society’s webpage.