The Truth About Hernia Mesh
If you’ve been told you need hernia surgery, you’ve probably heard about mesh—but what exactly is it, and why is it used? There’s a lot of information out there, and not all of it is accurate.
Below, expert hernia surgeons from the Columbia Hernia Center break down the basics of mesh, how it works, the risks and benefits, and when mesh-free repairs might be appropriate.
What Is Mesh and Why Is It Used?
Mesh has been used for hernia repair since 1958. Mesh refers to any type of material which is woven and is used to reinforce the repair of hernias. Since 1958, there have been countless different advances in both the type of mesh as well as the way in which it is used during surgery. For the right patient and the right operation, mesh can be invaluable in terms of preventing hernia recurrence.
How Mesh Strengthens the Abdominal Wall
The theory behind mesh placement is that hernias develop due to weaknesses in the abdominal wall. If a repair using only suture is performed, that weakness may still be present. To strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent the recurrence of a hernia, mesh is used and is integrated into the abdominal wall over time, making it stronger than before and distributing tension over a larger area instead of just at the incision. In several large studies, the use of mesh in groin hernia repairs is associated with up to a 50% decrease in recurrence compared to non-mesh repairs.
Types of Mesh
Not all mesh is the same. Options include:
- Permanent mesh that remains in the body
- Absorbable mesh that breaks down over time
- Hybrid mesh with a mix of both properties
Some types of mesh are even made from materials used in heart valves.
Are There Risks?
While mesh does improve most hernia repairs, there are small risks associated with them. These risks are similar to those that come with introducing any kind of outside material into the body, such as knee or hip replacements, heart valve replacements, rods used in orthopedic surgery, or even piercings. These risks include infection, chronic pain, and in extremely rare circumstances an allergic reaction. Under the right conditions, these risks are extremely rare.
What’s the Deal with Mesh Lawsuits?
You may have seen ads on Facebook or on late-night tv about mesh lawsuits. Not all mesh is created equal, and typically these lawsuits refer to bladder sling or vaginal sling meshes, which are different from hernia meshes. Mesh used in hernia surgery is generally placed in between the layers of the abdominal wall, not touching any intestine, organs or other critical structures.
Are Mesh-Free Repairs an Option?
While mesh-free repair is an option in some hernias, especially smaller hernias and groin hernias, it may not be advisable.
Hernias which may be able to be repaired without mesh include smaller umbilical, epigastric or ventral hernias that are not complex, and smaller inguinal or groin hernias.
Next Steps
If you are a candidate for hernia repair, the surgeons at the Columbia Hernia Center may be able to fix your hernia without the use of mesh. They are also adept at mesh removal and the treatment of chronic pain associated with mesh. Using new techniques such as directed nerve blocks and nerve excision, you may be able to get rid of your chronic pain without the need for mesh removal.
To set up a consultation with the Columbia Hernia Center, please call us at (212) 305-5947 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to answering your questions and meeting your hernia care needs.