If you’re told you need a groin (inguinal) hernia repair, one of the biggest questions you’ll likely hear is whether your surgery will involve mesh. While mesh repairs are common and effective, there are certain situations where a non-mesh approach may be the better fit.
In this episode, hernia surgeon Philip George, MD, breaks down when a non-mesh approach makes sense, when it doesn’t, and why surgeon experience matters more than the material itself.
According to Dr. George, non-mesh repairs can be a great option for patients who want to avoid synthetic materials, including those with mesh allergies or who simply prefer an implant-free surgery. The Shouldice repair, which the Columbia Hernia Center specializes in, is often most effective for small, straightforward hernias. However, high-impact athletes and people with physically demanding jobs may actually benefit from mesh reinforcement for added durability. And for very large, recurrent, or complex hernias, mesh remains the more reliable choice.
His biggest takeaway?
The best repair isn’t defined by mesh versus non-mesh; it’s about choosing a surgeon who routinely performs the technique you need and tailoring the operation to your body and lifestyle.
Dr. George’s rating of ChatGPT’s answer: 7 out of 10.
Watch the full video to hear his breakdown:
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