Hernia repair with mesh or without mesh?

06-06-2018

Hernias can appear at several places of your body but it’s most common on the abdomen, especially in the groin area. Among symptoms, you can experience pain but there are symptom and pain-free hernias as well. In this cases, the only tell-tale sign is a growing, tender lump.

What types of hernia repairs do we perform?

Open hernia repair

• Mostly in the case of ventral hernia doctors use open surgery
• When certain conditions don’t allow laparoscopy like big size hernias, previous abdominal surgeries, other ongoing health issues, general health status

Laparoscopic hernia repair

Usually, hernias affecting the groin area (inguinal hernia) should be treated by laparoscopy. Especially:

• Recurring inguinal hernias
• Inguinal hernia on both sides
• People who are athletes or blue-collar workers

If the abdominal hernia doesn’t exceed 10-12 cm in size, laparoscopic surgery is an option if the other circumstances allow it (patient’s health, previous surgeries, technical conditions).

Laparoscopic hernia repairs are always accompanied by the usage of titanium mesh. This supports the weak muscle wall and helps your body in preventing another hernia.

What are the advantages of mesh implantation laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open hernia repair?

• Surgery, the chance of recurrence of a hernia is 1-2%.
• The greatest benefit of laparoscopic surgery is the early complete recovery. The patient can return to the usual everyday activities 7 to 10 days after the surgery. Following the doctor’s approval work, sport or other physical work can be done.
• The postoperative period involves minimal pain, as there is no incision on the abdomen and on the internal abdomen where the surgical mesh is implanted.
• For the double-sided hernia, with an incidence rate of 20 to 25%, both sides can be operated at the same time, so the patient does not have an overload.
• The risk of abdominal infection is minimal, as there is no incision on the abdomen.
• During the surgery, the abdominal cavity is video-endoscopically clear and other abdominal disorders (such as convulsions, internal female genital disorder, etc.) can be revealed.