Hernia Mesh FAQ

While the FDA considers hernia mesh safe, there is the possibility of complications. Hernias left undetected may require surgery to repair, and it’s normal to question the risks and how this surgery can impact your life.

There are cases where people experience negative reactions to mesh materials that mesh manufacturers use in their products. In these situations, mesh removal can help heal a surgical mesh infection, although treatment may also include negative pressure wound therapy.

Polypropylene hernia mesh can stick to internal organs and puncture them. One study found a 91% chance of mesh migration, while other patients experience mesh erosion into the skin requiring additional surgery and care.

The time it takes to repair a hernia varies from 30 minutes to two hours. The type of hernia mesh surgery and technique makes a difference, with laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery an efficient option for both basic and complex procedures.

For many people, the operation usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete, and patients are usually able to go home on the same day. Those with medical problems or unique living situations may stay in the hospital overnight.

The postoperative recovery for patients at the facility is usually two hours, but this depends on the complexity of the surgery and other medical conditions. Complete healing from the surgery takes several weeks.

While in recovery, your doctor will have you avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. Complications could set back recovery time, prolong pain and require additional rest beyond the typical six weeks.

To encourage healing, you should refrain from any strenuous activity after the surgery. Your doctor will give you a complete list of activities to avoid, but keep in mind that these restrictions are temporary.

Engaging in activity too soon increases the risk of putting strain on recovering muscles and tissues. Too much strain can cause the incision site to rupture, while submerging your incision under water can interfere with proper healing.

Complications can be experienced immediately following surgery, but several studies indicate complications can also occur years later. Research presents varying timeframes for how long hernia repairs last.

A 2021 study looked at 100 patients for 10 years following their ventral abdominal hernia repair. Patients in the study had no hernia recurrence three years post-surgery. There was a 10% recurrence after eight years, however. There were two central breakdowns of the mesh at seven years, and in nine other cases, the mesh had stretched across the defect by an average of 21%.

Research supports the role of a contaminated wound contributing to higher rates of mesh infection. One study found that patient frailty and suture repair of incisional hernia also contributed to a higher risk of complications.

Patient medical history plays a role in recurrence as well. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have a higher rate of bulging and recurrences.

The most common complication from hernia mesh surgery is pain. The most common serious complications reported to the FDA led to a recall of several mesh products responsible for these negative outcomes.

Depending on the severity of the complication, a patient may need additional surgeries to correct the problem. The nature of complications following hernia mesh surgery varies for each patient. Complications can also vary depending on the techniques used during the procedure and the type of mesh the patient received.

Hernia mesh can be removed if serious complications occur. For some complications, removal of mesh would most likely be required. Hernia recurrence, infections and chronic pain often lead to removal surgery.

There are several ways a surgeon may remove hernia mesh: open abdominal surgery and robotic or laparoscopic surgery. In many surgeries, the removal of the mesh and intravenous antibiotics corrects the problem.

Doctors generally recommend delaying elective hernia repair for pregnant women until after delivery because any type of surgery can potentially pose a risk to the mother and the fetus. In some rare cases, women have required hernia surgery during pregnancy.

Some reports indicate those who have undergone laparoscopic hernia mesh surgery during pregnancy have done so without complications. Several studies show the efficacy of performing hernia repair in conjunction with a cesarean section.

Before hernia mesh surgery, ask about the mesh used, its risks and benefits, the construction material and the doctor’s experience with the material. Inquire about patient experiences, recovery, surgery successes, mesh failures and what alternative options could be right for you.

Ask your doctor about postoperative instructions. Once you’re in recovery, stay in touch with your doctor to discuss your progress. Be sure to report any challenges or side effects you have right away. Always ask questions about the next steps.

Pure tissue repair is a surgical hernia mesh alternative. Proponents of pure tissue repair, including Dr. Robert Bendavid of the Shouldice Hernia Centre and University of Toronto, contend this approach has fewer risks and complications than repairs using hernia mesh.

Alternative options include Bassini, Desarda, Shouldice, Guarnieri and McVay/Cooper’s Ligament. It’s important to talk with your doctor about each of these repair techniques and what might be best for you.

Those who experience serious hernia mesh complications can face significant medical expenses and recovery time. Many choose to file hernia mesh lawsuits to receive compensation to cover damages such as pain, loss of income, medical expenses and loss of quality of life.

Lawsuits typically claim faulty design or defective manufacturing. They may also include claims that manufacturers knew about risks and failed to properly warn the public about possible issues and risks of mesh complications.