Yes, it is possible that hernia mesh may cause problems years after it has been inserted. While hernia mesh is considered a safe and successful method of repairing hernias, the use of mesh for hernia repair can present long-term complications.
Complications that may be seen several years after insertion of the mesh can include infection, recurrent hernia, pain, and bowel obstruction. In addition, hernia mesh can cause or worsen inflammation or adhesions.
It is important to discuss potential risks and long-term concerns with your doctor to decide if hernia mesh is appropriate for your situation.
How do I know if my hernia mesh is torn years later?
If you have had hernia mesh implanted and have concerns that it may have become torn years later, the best way to determine this is to make an appointment with your doctor. At the appointment, take all your medical records for them to review, and provide a detailed history of the hernia you’ve experienced since the initial implantation of the mesh.
Your doctor may order imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to help diagnose if any issues have developed with your hernia mesh. They may also suggest exploratory surgery to assess the condition of the hernia mesh, or to repair any found tears or weak spots.
Your doctor will be able to provide you with the best diagnosis and treatment options based on your individual medical and surgical history.
How do I know if I have damaged my hernia repair?
If you believe you may have damaged your hernia repair, it is important to seek help from a medical professional. Symptoms of a damaged hernia repair can vary depending on the individual and the severity, but some typical signs can include nausea or vomiting, fever, increased pain or discomfort in the area of the hernia, swelling, redness, drainage from the wound, or a bulging or lump in the area.
These symptoms may appear gradually or abruptly and can indicate a potentially serious problem. It is essential to contact a doctor or surgeon if you experience any of these signs, as further damage can occur without prompt medical attention.
Your doctor can assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
What happens if you tear hernia mesh?
If a hernia mesh has been torn, it can lead to a range of serious issues. The most serious concern is if the soft tissue of the abdominal wall is exposed to any part of the hernia mesh. Damage to the abdominal wall can increase the risk of infection, increased pain, and loss of tissue in the area.
In some cases, the damage done to the abdominal wall can lead to permanent scarring and other issues, such as hernia recurrence. The hernia itself may also begin to enlarge due to the strain of the torn hernia mesh.
The individual may also begin to experience pain or discomfort in the area of the hernia, as it is likely to be irritated by the broken mesh. Additionally, if pieces of torn hernia mesh remain in the body, it can cause long-term discomfort and can sometimes cause other medical problems, such as blocking intestines or causing infections.
If you tear hernia mesh, it is crucial to seek medical attention right away in order to prevent further damage.
How many years does hernia mesh last?
The lifespan of hernia mesh can vary significantly depending on the material used, as well as the care and maintenance of the mesh after being implanted. Most meshes are designed with a lifespan of at least 10 years, but can often last much longer with proper care.
Some hernia mesh products are designed to last up to 15 years or even longer. However, studies have shown that there is a higher incidence of mesh degradation and fail over time, so it is important to seek proper medical attention if any signs of failure occur.
Additionally, it is important to follow any guidelines set forth by the manufacturer for optimal usage and care of hernia mesh.
What are the symptoms of mesh recall?
The most commonly reported symptoms associated with the mesh recall include pain, infection, irritation, or organ perforation. Pain can be one of the first signs that there is a problem with a mesh implant.
It may manifest as a radiating, sharp, or burning sensation. Women may also experience increased pain associated with intercourse or discomfort due to the physical presence of the mesh.
Infection is another sign of a malfunctioning mesh implant. Women may experience redness, swelling, discharge, or a fever in the implant area.
Irritation can occur in women with recurrent urinary tract infections due to decreased urine flow or an increase in the amount of urine caused by the mesh.
Organ perforation is also a known risk of mesh implant failure. This is when the structure of the mesh protrudes into the surrounding organs causing tears and other damage. The symptoms of organ perforation can be severe and include changes in urination such as increased frequency, pain, burning sensation, or the presence of blood in the urine.
It is important for women to talk to their doctors if they experience any of these symptoms as they may indicate a mesh recall.
Can you see hernia mesh on CT scan?
Yes, it is possible to see hernia mesh on a computed tomography (CT) scan. While the hernia mesh itself may not show up on the scan, a hernia repair can be seen. Typically the contrast dye is injected into the region before the CT scan, which helps to show the surgical repair and the placement of the mesh material to better delineate the anatomy of the hernia.
Occasionally, the hernia mesh will show up on the CT scan, although it is not very common. The best way to determine if a hernia mesh is present is to consult with a qualified medical professional and review the imaging scan.
Can hernia mesh be seen on MRI?
Yes, hernia mesh can be seen on a MRI. Hernia meshes are usually made from materials such as stainless steel, polypropylene, or titanium. Depending on the MRI settings, the hernia mesh may appear as a bright or dark area on the MRI.
In some cases, the hernia mesh may not be visible because the material used to create it won’t react to the MRI’s magnetic fields, or it might be hidden by other body tissue. Additionally, the hernia mesh may have shifted after being placed, which could make it difficult to view on an MRI.
If the hernia mesh is not visible on an MRI scan, an experienced surgeon may be able to locate it based on the patient’s medical history and physical exam.
Can an old hernia repair cause pain?
Yes, an old hernia repair can cause pain. Hernias that have been previously repaired can sometimes experience a recurrence, which is when the hernia reappears. This can cause pain in the area due to the hernia putting pressure on the surrounding tissue.
Additionally, it’s possible for the site of the repair surgery to become irritated due to activities that cause strain, such as lifting heavy objects, coughing, and straining while using the bathroom.
Furthermore, nerve damage that occurred during the surgery can cause chronic pain in the abdomen. It’s important to consult with a medical professional to discuss any pain that may result from an old hernia repair.
In some cases, additional surgery may be required in order to treat the hernia properly.
How can you tell if a hernia is coming back?
The best way to tell if a hernia is coming back is to pay close attention to any signs and symptoms that may be present. It is important to have regular follow-up appointments after hernia surgery and to alert your doctor if there are any changes in your symptoms.
Some signs that a hernia may be coming back can include, feelings of discomfort in the area where the hernia was previously located, pressure, a noticeable bulge, tenderness around the area of the hernia, and pain or weakness with physical activity.
A hernia may also come back when someone increases their activity too quickly or puts excessive strain on the area. If any of these symptoms or signs occur, it is important to contact your doctor and schedule an evaluation.
What causes a hernia to come back?
Hernias can have a tendency to come back due to the weakened underlying tissue that caused the hernia in the first place. In some cases, rigorous activities may put too much strain on the weakened muscles and cause the hernia to recur.
Other potential causes for recurring hernias can include putting too much strain on the area while coughing or sneezing, straining while constipated, or straining while on the toilet due to pushing or bearing down in the abdomen.
Surgery may not necessarily be the most effective form of treatment for a hernia, since it can still recur after the initial repair. This is because often the underlying tissues have been weakened, which can potentially cause the hernia to reappear after surgery.
Additionally, the hernia may reoccur due to the scar tissue from the healing process. Therefore, a hernia belt may be used to help decrease the potential for recurrence by providing additional support to the abdomen where the hernia occurs.
How common is hernia recurrence?
Hernia recurrence is an unfortunately common issue that surgeons must be cognizant of when performing hernia repairs. Overall, hernia recurrence rates vary depending on underlying causes, the type of repair performed, and postoperative care after surgery.
The most recent published meta-analysis reported a mean recurrence rate of 6. 7% for conventional hernia repairs and 17. 3% for laparoscopic hernia repairs. Another study of 950 patients reported a recurrence rate of 24.
3% in those who underwent laparoscopic hernia repairs. The recurrence rate of inguinal hernias (especially unilateral inguinal hernias) is even higher, with recurrence rates ranging anywhere from 11.
7-44. 6% reported in other studies. These recurrence rates are concerning and serve to emphasize the complexity of hernia repairs. Ultimately, they demonstrate the need for surgeons to be meticulous in their repair techniques and to ensure that patients are properly educated on the importance of postoperative care.
How long is the life expectancy of hernia mesh?
The exact life expectancy of hernia mesh depends on the type of mesh and its composition. Some hernia mesh products are designed to be permanent, while others are designed to be eventually absorbed by the body.
Permanent implantable mesh is typically made of polypropylene, which is durable and designed to last indefinitely. Examples of these include Composix E/X Mesh, Parietex Plug and Patch, Permacol, and UltraPro.
Absorbable mesh is made of synthetic absorbable materials like polyglactin and polydioxanone that gradually break down and get eliminated from the body over time. Examples of these include Vicryl, Surgisis, and Bio-A.
Generally, absorbable mesh is designed to last between 2 and 4 years, but its lifespan can vary according to factors such as surgical technique, patient compliance, and infection.
Can you have hernia mesh surgery twice?
Yes, it is possible to have hernia mesh surgery more than once. Depending on the severity and location of hernias, it is common for hernia repair surgery to need to be done multiple times. Hernia mesh has been shown to be effective in the short-term and long-term, but it is not guaranteed to be successful in all cases due to potential complications.
A hernia may recur if the primary repair fails or if the patient does not have proper follow-up care, such as returning for recommended check-ups or following any necessary lifestyle changes, such as adjusting diet or participating in physical activity.
If a hernia recurs, another hernia mesh surgery may be recommended. Additionally, it is important to note that scar tissue can form around the hernia site, which can also cause a hernia to recur and require a second surgery.
How likely is it that a hernia will come back after repair?
It is difficult to predict the exact likelihood of a hernia coming back after it has been repaired, as many variables are involved including the type of hernia, the technique of repair and the individual’s lifestyle and medical history.
Generally, hernias are quite amenable to repair, and a successful repair will typically last for many years. The risk of recurrence is higher in people who have a history of recurrent hernias and in those who have a strong family history of hernias.
In general, any hernia repair performed using an open surgical technique has an overall recurrence rate of around 18%, whereas laparoscopic hernia repair has a recurrence rate of 7-9%. Of course, the longer an individual can keep the hernia from returning, the lower the risk of recurrence, as long-term follow-up studies show that 5-year recurrence rates drop to 5-7%.
Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, increasing dietary fiber, and maintaining regular exercise, can help lower the risk of hernia recurrence.