A hernia develops when the muscle of the abdominal wall compromises its integrity and becomes weak. Over time, a gap is created in this weak wall, allowing abdominal tissues and some parts of the intestine to start protruding out through the gap. Hernias can lead to severe health problems if they are not treated properly.
Hernias can be treated in different ways, and the type of treatment method used mostly depends on the type of hernia, symptoms, and the specific diagnosis. When a hernia is fixed, generally, the surgeons push the organs into place and close the gap with stitches.
What happens if the muscle is not able to hold the stitches? This is where the mesh comes into play. For instance, in a hernia surgery, the gap is stitched, and after a few months, if the muscle is naturally weak, the stitches will open out. To provide support to the weak area, surgeons would reinforce the repair with a mesh. So this mesh is used only when the muscle is not strong enough to withstand the surgery due to the size or complexity of the hernia.
Dr. Venugopal Pareek, hernia repair expert in Hyderabad—committed to provide tailored hernia repair services according to patient needs. He is a highly skilled surgeon with 18+ years of experience in both mesh and no-mesh hernia repair techniques. The diagnosis and repair of each hernia are unique, so he follows a comprehensive and personalized treatment approach for each individual based on symptoms and the complexity of the hernia.
What to expect during a hernia repair (with or without mesh) procedure
Any hernia surgery, with or without mesh, can be performed using three surgical techniques: open hernia repair, laparoscopic hernia repair, and robotic hernia repair.
The goal of hernia repair surgery is to strengthen the weak abdominal wall and push the protruding tissues and organs back into their proper positions.
The hernia repair generally involves closing, securing, and reinforcing the weak abdominal wall. An open mesh repair procedure provides the flexibility to insert mesh both inside and outside the hernia opening to provide support. Whereas in a laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair with mesh, the hernia can be reinforced with mesh only from the outside of the hernia.
But in no-mesh hernia repair, irrespective of the surgical technique, the hernia is closed and stitched accordingly. In the case of a large hernia, the opening might also be larger, which may require taking a skin graft from another place in the body, to close the incision properly.
Benefits of hernia surgery with mesh
Mesh hernia repair offers many benefits, which include:
Less recurrence rate: The recurrence rates of hernia repairs with mesh are generally very low compared to non-mesh hernia repairs. This is because mesh provides extra support to the weak abdominal wall, which reduces the risk of reoccurring the hernia.
Minimally invasive options: Most of the hernia repairs that require mesh can be performed laparoscopically or robotically. As we know, invasive procedures involve making smaller incisions, which results in less pain, and quicker recovery times.
Best solution for large hernias: Larger or more complicated hernias greatly benefit from mesh because it provides better structural reinforcement.
Considerations
Potential complications: Some people might experience complications like infection, adhesion, or pain when mesh is used during hernia treatment.
Foreign material: Some patients might have a fear of implanting foreign materials (mesh) permanently in their bodies.
Don’t worry; mesh-related complications are rare. Implanting a mesh to fix hernias is safe as it is resistant to infection and has been used for the past 5 to 6 decades. Moreover, technology is improving day by day, and meshes are being manufactured with better material characteristics that provide stronger, lighter products.
However, in recent years, the dissolvable mesh has become popular. After surgery, the mesh inserted to support a hernia will dissolve after a certain period of time.
Benefits of hernia surgery without mesh:
Complications related to mesh are avoided: As there is no mesh inserted during hernia repair, there is no risk of potential complications usually caused by mesh.
No use of foreign material: Some patients have concerns about implanting foreign materials because of allergic reactions or foreign body sensations.
Reduced cost: The cost of surgery without mesh repairs might be less expensive compared to mesh hernia repairs.
Considerations
The recurrence rate is slightly higher: The risk of reappearing hernias, especially larger hernias, is higher because the tissues of the abdominal wall might be weak.
Longer recovery: Hernias treated without mesh might take more time to recover, and postoperative pain might also be higher.
Less support: Hernias repaired without mesh might not have the same level of structural support compared to mesh hernia repairs, which makes them less suited for larger hernias.
The choice of undergoing hernia surgery with mesh or without mesh mostly depends on factors like the size of the hernia, the location of the hernia, the patient’s overall health, and their specific preferences.
If you are having a hernia consult, Dr. V. Pareek, one of the best hernia surgeons in Hyderabad, he will discuss all the available treatment options with you and guide you to make the best decision depending on your precise circumstances. He will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of all possible approaches in your case and proceed with the one that gives maximum results. Call +91 91-777-77715 to book your appointment with the doctor.
