The side effects of mesh used in hernia repair may vary depending on a person’s individual risk factors and the type of repair being performed. However, there are potential side effects that have been reported in medical literature.
These potential side effects can range from mild to serious, and can be immediate or delayed.
Common side effects of hernia repair with mesh include pain, swelling and bruising, infection, recurrent hernias, hernia recurrence and the formation of a seroma, which is the accumulation of fluid at the site of the surgery.
In rare cases, a foreign body reaction to the mesh can occur, leading to an allergic response.
Serious potential side effects are potential bowel and bladder injuries, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Mesh migration, organ puncture, intestinal obstruction or even obstruction of the intestines by mesh can also occur, along with hemorrhage, scrotal bleeding and hematomas.
In rare cases mesh pieces may break off and need to be removed surgically. In addition, the adjacent organs may become damaged due to the mesh material irritating or disrupting the tissue or even creating a fistula, which is an abnormal connection between two organs.
Lastly, nerve damage may occur.
It is important to understand the potential side effects of hernia surgery prior to undergoing hernia repair by mesh and to speak with your doctor about any questions or concerns you have.
How many years does hernia mesh last?
The answer to how long hernia mesh lasts varies between different types of mesh products and the individual circumstances. Generally, meshes made from materials such as polypropylene and polyester have a high level of durability and are expected to last for 10 to 15 years or longer.
On the other hand, biologic mesh products made from animal tissue are typically absorbed into the body within a few years after they are implants. Ultimately, the longevity of hernia mesh depends on the specific product and the individual’s health and healing ability.
Can hernia mesh fail after 10 years?
Yes, hernia mesh can fail after 10 years or even sooner. The lifespan of hernia mesh is typically around 5 to 10 years, but it can fail in a shorter timeframe due to factors like infection, tissue reaction, adhesion, or muscle migration.
Even if a hernia repair is considered successful and doesn’t show signs of failure in the short-term, issues can arise after longer periods due to chemical changes in the body from aging or from the harsh environment of the body’s abdominal cavity.
Therefore, hernia mesh should be checked for integrity regularly and hernia repairs should be monitored for changes. If a hernia does fail, it is important to get it repaired again as quickly as possible.
Delayed treatment can lead to greater repercussions.
How long is the life expectancy of hernia mesh?
The life expectancy of hernia mesh largely depends on the type of material used and the location of the mesh. According to the American College of Surgeons, most polypropylene mesh should last indefinitely.
Polypropylene is widely considered to be safe and effective and is preferred by many surgeons. Other materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or glutaraldehyde-treated collagen (GTS) generally last around 10-15 years before exhibiting signs of degradation.
When it comes to location, mesh in the abdomen or groin can last longer than mesh located in the diaphragm or chest. Abdominal mesh is less exposed to the body’s natural tissues, making it less prone to break down over time.
Overall, the life expectancy of hernia mesh can vary widely depending on the type of material used and the location of the mesh. However, most polypropylene mesh should last indefinitely and other types should last around 10-15 years before requiring replacement.
How do I know if my hernia mesh failed years later?
If you have had hernia mesh implanted, it’s important to be aware of any possible complications or signs of mesh failure, especially if some years have passed since the procedure. It can be difficult to know if your hernia mesh has failed without proper medical diagnosis, but there are several signs and symptoms you should look out for.
One of the most common signs of a failed hernia mesh is intense pain in the area where the incision was made for the procedure. Other signs may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps or spasms.
You may also have swelling or a lump in the area, which may be tender or painful.
Fever or a feverish feeling, discharge from the incision site, or redness or extreme tenderness and pain in the hernia area can be an indication of a failed hernia mesh. If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away.
Your doctor will be able to diagnose the issue and determine if a hernia mesh has failed and if you need additional treatment.
Can you have hernia mesh surgery twice?
Yes, in certain cases it is possible to have hernia mesh surgery twice. This may be the case in recurrent hernias, which occur when a hernia has been repaired but comes back again due to weakened abdominal muscles or an underlying medical condition.
When a hernia recurs, surgeons may opt to perform hernia mesh surgery a second time as it is considered to be the most effective and long-lasting repair. However, when making a decision to undergo hernia mesh surgery for a second time, it is important to consult with your surgeon to discuss the possible risks and benefits.
There may be other options for repair, such as tissue-based repairs or laparoscopic repair. Ultimately, it is best to discuss all options with your doctor before proceeding with surgery.
How likely is it that a hernia will come back after repair?
It is possible for a hernia to return after repair, but the likelihood varies depending on the individual’s risk factors and the type of repair that was performed. The overall risk is estimated to be between 10-35%, with the lowest risk being seen after a laparoscopic repair and the highest risk being seen after a tension-free open repair.
Factors which may increase the likelihood of a hernia recurring include female gender, a history of smoking, recurrent infections, and previous surgery at the area of the hernia. Other factors such as obesity, increased intra-abdominal pressure, and muscle weakness may also increase the likelihood of hernia recurrence.
If a hernia does come back, a laparoscopic herniorrhaphy (hernia repair) or an insertion of a mesh may need to be done a second time. Care should also be taken to avoid activities which put added strain on the hernia site and adding any additional stress to the area.
How easy is it to tear hernia mesh?
Hernia mesh is typically made from a very strong and durable material, making it not very easy to tear. Depending on the type of hernia mesh, it can be made from a highly absorbable material, such as polypropylene, that is very resistant to tearing.
Additionally, some hernia mesh products on the market come with barbed or protruding edges that help to further secure the mesh when placed “behind” the hernia. For these reasons, it is generally considered more difficult to tear hernia mesh than other materials.
What are the chances of a hernia coming back?
The chances of a hernia coming back vary greatly depending on the type of hernia, the individual patient, and the chosen treatment. Generally, if the hernia is surgically repaired with mesh, the chances of recurrence may be as low as three to five percent.
However, if the hernia is not repaired or repaired with a non-mesh procedure, the chances of the hernia coming back may be as high as 30-50%. During a hernia surgery, a surgeons goal is to surgically repair the hernia and strengthen the surrounding tissue to prevent the hernia from recurring.
Different surgical techniques have different recurrence rates. Some studies have shown laparoscopic repair of an inguinal hernia to have a lower recurrence rate than traditional open repair. Additionally, lifestyle risk factors, such as being overweight or smoking, may increase an individual’s chances of having a hernia repair fail.
It is important to consult with your physician to develop a treatment plan that works for you, to include lifestyle changes and proper follow-up care.
How common are hernia mesh complications?
Hernia mesh complications are actually quite common, unfortunately. Reports estimate that around 20-30% of people who receive hernia mesh surgery have some kind of complication. The most common complications tend to involve infection, inflammation, and pain in the abdominal area; however, other complications have been known to include adhesions, hernia recurrence, and tissue erosion.
The severity of the complications will depend on the individual and the type of hernia mesh that has been implanted. In some cases, hernia mesh complications can require significant medical care and even surgery to correct.
It is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of hernia mesh surgery prior to undergoing the procedure.
What is the failure rate of hernia mesh?
The failure rate of hernia mesh varies depending on the type of mesh used, how it is inserted, and the individual patient’s overall health. In general, hernia mesh is considered effective and safe, with a recurrence rate of approximately 10-20%.
However, certain types of mesh may have a higher failure rate, or require more frequent revisions or replacements.
In the past, the failure rate of hernia mesh has been higher due to the materials used, such as polypropylene. Polypropylene has been linked to an increased risk of infection, rejection of the mesh, and adhesions.
Additionally, the incorporation of a “memory ring” or large knot in the mesh was associated with a higher recurrence rate. As a result, the FDA has mandated that all hernia meshes must meet specific requirements regarding size, strength, and shape.
In addition, certain types of hernia meshes may be coated or infused with other materials to reduce its failure rate.
Overall, the success rate of hernia mesh depends in part on the type of mesh used, and the individual patient’s overall health. In some cases, hernia mesh may have a higher failure rate due to poor quality materials or improper insertion.
It is important for patients to discuss the benefits and risks of hernia mesh with their doctor prior to undergoing the procedure.
How long does it take for your body to reject hernia mesh?
The amount of time it takes for your body to reject hernia mesh can vary, depending on a person’s individual body reactions and the type of hernia mesh used. Generally, it can take anywhere from two months to two years for any signs of rejection to manifest.
In some cases, the hernia mesh may be accepted for many years without issue and no signs of rejection.
Rejection of hernia mesh can occur when the body’s immune system mistakes the mesh for a foreign invader. The body then starts to create an inflammatory reaction to the mesh, in an attempt to get rid of it.
This can lead to complications such as pain, infection, or hernia recurrence.
If you have had hernia repair surgery and are experiencing any issues, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, to get an assessment and any necessary treatments.
What are the symptoms of hernia mesh complications?
The symptoms of hernia mesh complications vary depending on the type of hernia, location, and material of the hernia mesh. Some of the common symptoms people experience include abdominal pain, fever, and redness around the surgical site; pain when lifting, sneezing, or coughing; nausea; vomiting; and constipation or diarrhea.
Other less common hernia mesh complications can include infection, hernia recurrence, erosion or extrusion of the mesh (a condition in which the mesh breaks through the surrounding tissue), adhesion or scarring of the wound, and nerve damage.
In some circumstances these complications can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention.
What does hernia mesh infection feel like?
Hernia mesh infection often causes significant pain in the affected area, especially if the infection is located close to the area where the hernia mesh was implanted. This type of pain may be sharp and localized or more dull and aching.
Some people may also experience redness, swelling, and warmth in the area of infection. Additional symptoms of infection may include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
Nerve pain can also occur if the infection has spread to the nerves near the hernia mesh. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms so the infection can be properly treated.
Can a CT scan detect hernia mesh problems?
Yes, a CT scan can detect certain hernia mesh problems, such as hernia mesh that is eroding or has shifted position. It is also helpful in diagnosing infection or inflammation that may be caused by the hernia mesh or any complications caused by surgical procedures.
CT scans can provide detailed images of the hernia and can assist in determining if the hernia has persisted or has enlarged. In addition, CT scans can also provide information on how to safely and effectively treat the hernia and any associated complications.
