Mesh and non‐mesh repairs are effective surgical approaches in treating hernias, each demonstrating benefits in different areas. Compared to non‐mesh repairs, mesh repairs probably reduce the rate of hernia recurrence, and reduce visceral or neurovascular injuries, making mesh repair a common repair approach.
Mesh made of either material can significantly reduce the risk of a recurrent hernia. However, mesh is not required in order to close the opening in the abdominal wall. A no mesh procedure uses nothing more than the body's own tissues, which reduces the risks associated with implants, such as rejection.
Based on FDA's analysis of medical device adverse event reports and of peer-reviewed, scientific literature, the most common adverse events for all surgical repair of hernias—with or without mesh—are pain, infection, hernia recurrence, scar-like tissue that sticks tissues together (adhesion), blockage of the large or ...
Surgical mesh in hernia repair surgery is highly effective
The use of mesh in ventral, incisional and inguinal hernia repair is the standard of care in the United States.
Yes, it is possible to repair a hernia without using mesh. A no mesh surgical technique relies solely on utilizing the patient's own bodily tissues, thereby eliminating the potential risks associated with the use of artificial implants. Natural tissue repair (non-mesh) mostly refers to inguinal hernias of the groin.
The gold-standard technique for inguinal hernia repair is the open approach. Hernia.
The latest hernia repair techniques usually allow you to return to normal activities within 2 weeks. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help the healing process. Heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Surgical mesh use in hernia repair is considered safe and effective for most patients. Since the main goal of hernia repair surgery is to repair your hernia and prevent hernia recurrence, surgical mesh is often the most helpful tool in ensuring your surgery is a success.
How Long Does Hernia Mesh Repair Last? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that hernia mesh is a permanent implant. It means that once implanted; it is not designed to be removed. The FDA also states that hernia mesh should last a lifetime.
It confirms that both open and laparoscopic mesh hernia repairs are stronger than the non-herniated normal side at 4 weeks after operation.
Laparoscopic repair was associated with a lower risk of chronic groin pain compared with open repair. In the four systematic reviews assessing any laparoscopic versus any open repairs, laparoscopic repair was associated with a statistically significant (range: 26–46%) reduction in the odds or risk of chronic pain.
Potential complications
Most brands and models of mesh today have excellent safety rates and have been used for many years. In general, the mesh that is used for most repairs at the Hernia Center of NGMC is the same mesh our surgeons have used for more than 10 years.
After any kind of hernia, walking can help keep your muscles strong and help reduce your risk of complications. This is especially true of surgeries on your abdomen. Walking helps your organs return to their proper place.
Non-Mesh Hernia Repair Techniques
Doctors may call these techniques “pure-tissue” or “non-mesh” repairs. They involve stitching the patient's own tissue back together. Each technique differs in how it tries to prevent hernias from returning. They fall into two categories: tension repairs and tension-free repairs.
Hernia Repair with Mesh
Surgery is the only treatment that can permanently repair a hernia. Hernia mesh is used in about 90 percent of those surgeries, according to the FDA. Surgeons can perform repairs with or without hernia mesh. But mesh has become more common since the 1980s.
Hernia Surgery Risks
Infection of the wound. Blood clots: These can develop because you're under anesthesia and don't move for a long period of time. Pain: In most cases, the area will be sore as you heal. But some people develop chronic, long-lasting pain after surgery for a groin hernia, for example.
Repairing the hernia can also relieve the symptoms of pain and discomfort and make the bulge go away. The hernia won't heal on its own. If your hernia does not bother you, most likely you can wait to have surgery. Your hernia may get worse, but it may not.
Full recovery may take four to six weeks. Elderly patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery may recover sooner. Patients should perform only necessary functions right after surgery, but can resume light activity after a few weeks.
Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. But if your job requires that you do heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you may need to take 4 to 6 weeks off from work. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the cut (incision) dry.
If you or an elderly loved one needs hernia repair surgery, there's no need to worry. Modern medical technology and surgical practices have evolved tremendously over the last few years, so patients of all ages have better outcomes after surgery.
Research is mixed on how long a mesh hernia repair will last. A 2022 study followed 100 patients for ten years after a ventral abdominal hernia repair. No recurrence was recorded after three years, while about 10% had a recurrence after roughly eight years.
Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until you are feeling better. Be active. Walking is a good choice. You most likely can return to light activity after 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of surgery you had.
Overall, the risk for complications in inguinal hernia repair is low (2.9–8%).
A 2.0-cm cutoff hernia size defect has most commonly been recommended for mesh placement,5,10,16,17,19,22,25,26,29,34 while other studies suggest a 1.0-1.5 cm size defect. Several studies suggested a 3.0 cm hernia size to be prohibitive for tissue repair.
Common risks and side effects soon after surgery include: Bruising, or infection and bleeding at the incision site. Problems with urinating if the hernia was in the groin. Accumulation of fluid, called a seroma, at the prior site of the hernia.