Hernias often recur even after surgery. To strengthen hernia repair and reduce the recurrence rate, many surgeons started using surgical meshes in 1980. Since then, mesh-based hernia repairs have been increased largely by 2000. Approximately 10% of groin hernias are repaired without mesh.
Laparoscopic surgeons or urologists generally perform hernia surgeries and use surgical mesh for some patients to repair the hernia. The mesh used here serves as a flexible frame and has the ability to reinforce weak muscle walls. The mesh helps to prevent organ protrusion through the muscle walls and also prevents the condition from becoming more severe.
In a hernia repair, the mesh is placed in front of the open hernia. To hold the surgical mesh in place, the surgeon uses medical devices like tacks, sutures, and surgical glue. Over time, the tissues tend to grow through the mesh’s small holes, which strengthens the muscle wall. The scar tissue that forms reinforce the site of the hernia. The mesh placed during a hernia surgery is permanently attached to the patient’s body, meaning that it remains there for the rest of life.
Hernia Mesh Surgeries
Implanting hernia mesh is done through two different surgeries.
The Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Surgery
Laparoscopic hernia mesh surgery is a minimally invasive procedure carried out under general anaesthesia. The surgeon performs the procedure by making several smaller incisions to insert various surgical tools to repair and implant the mesh. Laparoscopic surgery results in a faster recovery time for the patient and significantly less blood loss. This surgery is challenging, requires special skills & experience. In most cases, patients are able to return to their routine within a week or so.
The Open Repair Surgery
In open repair surgery, the surgeon may or may not use surgical mesh, and it is also done under general anaesthesia. The procedure involves making a small incision around the hernia to repair the weak muscles. It takes more than three weeks for the patient to recover after open repair surgery.
Types of meshes used in hernia surgery
The mesh used in hernia surgery comes in several types. Various plastic and synthetic materials are used to fabricate some meshes that closely resemble a window screen. While some are made of biological materials. Some meshes stay permanently in our bodies, and some degrade over time. Some meshes used to repair hernias are even made up of protective coatings. This type of mesh is usually placed in areas near the abdominal organs or the abdomen by the surgeon.
Merril’s MERIGROW MESH is a commonly used lightweight mesh made of polypropylene with round edges. It is an ideal mesh that can be used to repair any type of hernia because of its exceptional strength and elasticity. The mesh features larger pores to support faster tissue growth, which makes it very comfortable for patients.
Surgical techniques used to repair hernias with mesh
Fundamentally, hernias can be repaired with mesh with three different techniques. The surgeon will choose a surgical technique based on the patient’s particular condition in most cases. Following are the common surgical techniques used in hernia mesh surgeries.
- The TAPP Technique — Transabdominal pre-peritoneal Technique
- The TEP Technique — Totally Extra-peritoneal Technique
- The IPOM Technique — Intraperitoneal On-lay Mesh Technique
Benefits of using mesh in hernia surgery
Hernia surgery with surgical mesh can benefit in a number of ways. The following are some of them:
- A few decades ago, simple suturing techniques were used to repair hernias. Around 25% to 50% of hernias used to recur in such cases. However, this led to the development of surgical meshes.
- The mesh strengthens a wider area around the hernia and reduces the recurrence rate by 50%.
- Merril’s MERRIGROW Mesh is even more beneficial as it provides long-term support for tissues and extra room for tissue regeneration.
- Due to its flexible shape and elasticity, it can adjust to the changing dynamics and pressure of the abdominal walls.
- Using mesh reduces the likelihood of fibrosis, nerve entrapment, and seroma formation.
- Less operative time and quicker healing.
- Ventral hernias, incisional hernias, and inguinal hernias are all treated with mesh in Hyderabad as standard treatment.
Typically, it takes about two to three weeks for the patient to fully recover following hernia surgery. The patient’s condition and the procedure type also influence the recovery period. Patients can return to their strenuous daily activities within a few months.
To know more detailed information about hernia mesh repair surgery in Hyderabad, consult Dr Venugopal Pareek, one of the best laparoscopic hernia surgeon in Hyderabad. He has more than 15 years of experience in performing hernia surgery using mesh. Call +91 91777 77715 to book an appointment with the doctor.
