Is a Mesh Necessary to Fix Your Hernia?

Not necessarily. The use of mesh depends on the type of hernia being repaired and resolved, says Dr. Purnendu Bhowmick, the best hernia surgeon in Kolkata. However, mesh as a tool is invaluable for reliably repairing hernias which in the past was not possible.  

What Is A Mesh?

Mesh is a sheet of prosthetic material used to cover a hernia. Mesh are of many types and there is a large industry devoted to manufacturing various hernia meshes. They can be made up of plastics or biological materials; some are permanent, while others are made to dissolve over time. Plastic mesh is the common type of mesh. Some meshes also feature protective coatings that allow them to be placed near the abdominal organs.  

Mesh Reduces The Risk Of Recurrence.

Mesh is a tool and just like any other tool, it is up to a surgeon to understand the limitations of the mesh. “Which mesh would be best for which type of hernia?”, “What are the possible complications the mesh product could bring into the equation for the patient?” and “What is the degree of help the mesh could lend to the repair and provide optimal healing for the patient?”. These are some of the questions which a surgeon needs to address.   For instance, in the case of hernias such as small umbilical hernias, inguinal or groin hernia in children and some Hiatal hernias, the use of mesh can be avoided. However, tissue-only repairs, with no mesh usage, for inguinal hernias cause discomfort during recovery and have a high risk of recurrence compared to mesh repairs. Mesh inguinal hernia repair, therefore, is the standard of care in the case of inguinal hernias.   Similarly, for most adult inguinal hernias and many abdominal wall hernias, Clinica Health’s hernia specialist in Kolkata recommends using mesh for safe and reliable repairing and less risk of recurrence.  

Possible complications of using a Mesh

Incorporation of any foreign body poses a hint of complication to the host. Similarly, as the mesh is a foreign body, it can become infected upon contamination either at the surgery or later.   Mesh inside the abdomen can also cause scar tissue formation or adhesion that can obstruct bowel movement down the road. Adhesion is, however, not solely attached to mesh usage. Patients who had surgery in the abdomen also form these adhesions.   Just like any other surgical operation, mesh usage has its complications. However, the advantages of it outshines its disadvantages. The advantages and disadvantages of mesh usage largely depends on the surgeons’ expertise. Ask questions and discuss your issue with your surgeon to better understand the mesh usage before undergoing surgery. Visit Clinica Health’s top laparoscopic hernia surgeon in Kolkata for effective hernia treatment.