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Hernia mesh too old to remove?
Came across a thread online about hernia mesh and I saw a someone post about how he asked a surgeon (didn’t state who) to remove his thirty year old hernia mesh due to pain that the mesh was causing and he stated that surgeon told him that his mesh could not be removed because it was too old and would be nearly impossible due to the tissue growth around the mesh.
That being said, is hernia mesh that was implanted decades ago nearly impossible to remove? If so, would it be harder depending on the type of the hernia (umbilical hernia, incisional hernia, inguinal hernia, etc…)?
Thought it it would be an interesting question because I haven’t ran across someone with a situation like that. Would be interesting to get some insight from Dr. Towfigh and other mesh removal surgeons and also to know what was the oldest mesh they have removed.
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4 Replies
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All mesh is theoretically removal. There are risks based on where the mesh was placed. Time is not a factor. Seek a second opinion.
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I agree with Dog. If a surgeon uses mesh, then he/she should be prepared to take care of all the complications of the mesh.
Bill Brown MD -
Of course the only question i have ..Why most surgenes inserting that mesh …knowing in advance that they will not be able to remove without problems….will …we know that answer..
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Dear LocalCvilian.
The length of time that the mesh has been in place does not make too much difference. I have removed mesh that has been in place for 12 years. Removal mesh is difficult and the pain does not always go away, that is the reason most surgeons do not want to remove the mesh.
Regards.
Billl Brown MD
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