Mesh hernia repair is a minimally invasive, highly effective treatment for many types of hernias. The strength of the hernia repair is due to the use of a synthetic mesh material placed inside the hernia to strengthen the weakened muscle wall.
The mesh material is typically made of a polyprolene, a synthetic material that is extremely strong and resists tearing. The mesh provides a more structured, supportive backboard for the weakened abdominal wall and allows the body to heal and close naturally.
Mesh repairs often result in a much stronger, smoother, and flatter abdominal wall compared to other hernia repair procedures. Mesh hernia repairs are also much less likely to fail than traditional suturing methods, so they are a much more reliable option for treating a hernia.
In addition, mesh repairs typically involve a much shorter recovery period than traditional hernia repairs.
Can you damage hernia mesh repair?
Yes, it is possible to damage hernia mesh repair. Damage to hernia mesh repair can occur due to improper placement, infection, excessive strain, or implant rejection.
Improper placement of the hernia mesh repair can lead to nerve damage and other serious side effects, such as infection and adhesions. Infection of the hernia repair can also occur as a result of bacteria entering the surgical site, which can also cause damage to the repair and lead to more problems.
Excessive strain on the hernia mesh repair can also cause damage and increase the risk of recurrence. Activities such as heavy lifting and intense exercise can add pressure to the hernia repair site and can lead to the weakening of the repair.
Finally, hernia mesh repairs may be rejected due to immune system issues, causing the body to attack the repair. This can lead to scarring, infection, and other complications.
Damage to hernia mesh repairs should be taken seriously and addressed immediately by a physician or surgeon. If any further complications develop, further medical care should be sought.
Can you tear the mesh after hernia surgery?
No, you should not attempt to tear the mesh after hernia surgery. The mesh, which is normally made of eitherDacron or non-absorbable mesh, is a permanent material that helps keep the hernia repairs secure.
If you were to tear it, you could experience pain, infection and may require further surgery. After hernia surgery, it is essential to practice gentle activity and follow your doctor’s instructions for how to care for the surgery area.
If you experience any pain or discomfort, contact your doctor’s office immediately. Additionally, make sure the surgery area is kept clean to reduce the risk of infection.
How do I know if I have damaged my hernia repair?
If you have recently undergone a hernia repair, it is important to bring any concerns to your doctor’s attention immediately. There are certain signs and symptoms that may indicate that a hernia repair has been damaged, so it is important to be aware of them and to report them to your doctor right away.
Symptoms that should be brought to your doctor’s attention include: sudden pain or tenderness in the area where the repair was done; redness, swelling, or warmth; fever; drainage, oozing, or pus coming from the incision; excessive bleeding or discharge; nausea or vomiting; severe stomach pains; or a feeling of fullness in the stomach or abdomen.
If you experience any of these, seek medical attention right away.
Your doctor may have given you specific instructions for monitoring your hernia repair so follow those closely. For example, if you were told to wear a compression/support garment after surgery, make sure you are wearing it.
If you have it off for too long, it can weaken the support for the hernia. In addition, be sure to avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous activities that can put pressure on your hernia repair.
If you do injure or strain the hernia site, tell your doctor about it right away.
It is important to be mindful of any changes that occur around your hernia repair site and to be in frequent contact with your doctor if any of these signs or symptoms occur. That way, you can ensure that any potential damage to your hernia repair is diagnosed and treated promptly and appropriately.
What happens if I tear my hernia mesh?
If you tear your hernia mesh, it is important to seek medical attention right away. This is because leaving a torn hernia mesh untreated can lead to serious issues like organ damage, adhesions, and bowel blockages.
A physician will examine the tear and determine the best way to repair it, which could involve a surgical procedure. After a tear is successfully repaired, the patient is usually given pain management and instructed to follow other guidelines to ensure a successful recovery.
These guidelines may include avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and taking medications prescribed by the physician. Following your doctor’s instructions is important to help reduce the risk of complications after hernia mesh repair.
What are the signs of hernia mesh failure?
Signs of hernia mesh failure can include pain or tenderness near the hernia repair, persistent pain or swelling at the hernia site, ongoing tenderness or discomfort, recurrence of the hernia at the original site or surrounding areas, fever or infection, and nausea or vomiting.
Although hernia repair procedures can be effective, the hernia mesh used in the repair can cause further complications. Hernia Mesh complications can include excessive scar tissue, adhesion formation, migration of the mesh and erosion of the hernia mesh into the surrounding organs.
If you are having any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
How easy is it to tear hernia mesh?
Hernia mesh can be difficult to tear and is generally quite durable. However, it is not indestructible and is susceptible to tearing if too much force is applied. For most hernia repairs, a combination of sutures and an absorbable mesh are placed to provide support for the hernia site.
The combination of mechanical and biologic forces maintain the hernia repair and hold the edges of the abdominal wall in close approximation to each other. Typically, the sutures maintain the tension while the mesh provides additional support and absorbs the tension over a larger area.
Hernia mesh implants come in a variety of forms and can be made of various materials such as polypropylene, absorbable or synthetic. Some of these materials, such as polypropylene, are extremely strong and typically can take several attempts to tear them.
Absorbable meshes are most prone to tearing, as they are designed to break down over time and become integrated into the body. Although it may be possible to tear hernia mesh, it usually requires a significant amount of force and would likely cause more harm than good.
Therefore, the best approach is to leave the hernia repair in place, as it is designed to provide long-term support for the hernia site.
How many years does hernia mesh last?
The longevity of hernia mesh varies depending on the type of mesh and the patient’s individual circumstances. The mesh is generally expected to provide long-term support, with some studies indicating they can last up to fifteen years.
However, the risk of mesh failure increases with age, so the longer the mesh is in place, the more likely it will fail. If a patient experiences a significant increase in body weight, he or she may require a repeat hernia repair procedure with new mesh.
Additionally, hernia mesh can be rejected by the body, leading to pain, infection, or adhesion formation. For these reasons, it is important to discuss with your surgeon the type of hernia repair and long-term outlook of the procedure.
Can a hernia repair come undone?
Yes, hernia repairs can come undone in some cases. This is also known as hernia recurrence or re-herniation. The risk of a hernia repair coming undone is highest in the first few months after the procedure, and increases if the procedure wasn’t done properly or if the patient is overly active too soon after the procedure.
Risk factors may also include the type of hernia and the type of hernia repair used. Some of the most common types of hernia repairs are laparoscopic hernia repair, mesh hernia repair and open hernia repair.
The type of repair your doctor recommends will depend on your individual needs and the severity of the hernia.
In order to minimize the chance of a hernia repair coming undone, your doctor may advise you to avoid lifting heavy objects for a certain amount of time after the procedure, as this can put undue strain on the area and increase the risk of damage.
If a hernia repair does come undone, it may require revision surgery to correct the issue.
How long does it take for hernia mesh to set?
Hernia mesh will typically take several weeks to integrate into the body’s tissue. After the surgery, the body works to gradually form a bond between the mesh and the surrounding tissue to the point where it becomes a permanent part of the abdominal wall.
During this time, the body will also form a layer of connective tissue called a “matrix” to help seal and protect the mesh from any future hernias. This process usually takes between four to eight weeks to complete and the full integration of the hernia mesh into the body is largely dependent on the individual and their individual healing response.
Can hernia mesh cause problems years later?
Yes, hernia mesh can cause problems years later. Possible complications due to hernia mesh can occur when it becomes infected, when it moves or shifts, when the body forms scar tissue around the mesh, or when the mesh erodes.
Hernia mesh infections can happen months or even years after the surgery. Signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling, drainage from the incision, pain, or tenderness. Infections can be caused by bacteria that entered during surgery or developed later due to contact with the material of the mesh.
Hernia mesh can also move or shift within the body, which can cause organs and tissue to become pinched or compressed. Depending on the severity and location of the hernia repair, this can lead to pain or dysfunction of the intestines, stomach, bowels, and other important organs.
Another possible side effect of hernia mesh is the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue can exacerbate hernia symptoms and cause pain or discomfort. In some cases, it can also lead to a recurrence of the hernia and the requirement of another surgery to repair it.
Lastly, hernia mesh can erode into surrounding tissue or organs which can cause serious pain, bleeding, organ damage, and even necrosis (when cells die due to lack of blood flow). If the erosion is severe, another surgery is likely to be required in order to remove the damaged mesh.
If you have had hernia repair surgery in the past, it is important to be aware of these potential long-term side effects and to pay attention to any symptoms that may arise. If any of these problems do occur, it is important to seek medical care immediately in order to prevent any further complications.
Why do I still have a bulge after hernia repair?
In some cases, a hernia can recur after the operation, which can cause a bulge to form. Additionally, it’s possible for the tissue surrounding the area of the surgery to become more lax and bulge outwards.
It can also be caused by the hernia mesh becoming infected or migrating to the wrong location in the body. Additionally, if the hernia repair was not properly done, then the patient may have some postoperative swelling or tissue protrusion, which could create a bulge.
It is also possible that the incision site did not heal properly, leading to a bulge or lump. In some cases, a bulge may be due to the formation of scar tissue after the surgery.
If you are still having a bulge or lump after hernia repair, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor to understand the cause. They may decide to perform additional tests to determine the cause and to ensure that the hernia repair surgery was successful.
Does hernia mesh last a lifetime?
No, hernia mesh does not last a lifetime. It is typically made from materials that can degrade over time, such as polypropylene or surgical grade stainless steel. This means that it eventually will start to break down and will need to be replaced.
The amount of time that the hernia mesh can last depends on the type of hernia and the patient’s health, as well as the material used. In general, the average lifetime of hernia mesh is about 10 years, but some materials may last longer or shorter depending on individual circumstances.
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of hernia mesh with a doctor before deciding whether or not to receive the implant.
Can hernia mesh fail after 10 years?
Yes, it is possible for hernia mesh to fail after 10 years. Including poor surgical technique, poor quality material, poor manufacturing, or poor implantation. Hernia mesh can also become infected, cause serious complications such as organ damage, and in some cases, actually make the condition worse.
Furthermore, if a hernia mesh implant is placed in the wrong area or put in incorrectly, it can lead to further health problems. Additionally, hernia mesh products can deteriorate over time due to wear and tear, and age-related effects.
It is important to recognize that these issues can occur at any point in the life of the hernia mesh, including after 10 years.
How do I know if my hernia mesh is torn years later?
If you have had hernia mesh surgery years ago, it is important to check in with your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms that could indicate that the mesh is torn. If you notice pain or discomfort in the hernia area, increased swelling, bulging, a sensation of heaviness, or tenderness that was not there before, these could all be signs that the hernia mesh is torn.
Additionally, if you experience any redness, warmth, or pus draining from the area, it could also be a sign of mesh tearing.
It is also important to keep up with regular check ups with your doctor to ensure that there have not been any complications with your hernia mesh. They will be able to do a physical examination including palpating the hernia area, as well as imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound to see if there has been tearing or other issues with the mesh.
If it is determined that the hernia mesh is torn, your doctor might recommend revision surgery to replace the mesh with a new one. During this procedure, the old mesh will be removed and a new one will be put in its place.
This is typically a much less invasive procedure than the initial hernia surgery, and the recovery time is typically much shorter.