News Feed Discussions Incisional hernia suggestions and concerns

  • Incisional hernia suggestions and concerns

    Posted by Unknown Member on July 24, 2020 at 2:40 pm

    ?I have an incisional hernia directly below my belly button from a (laparoscopic) partial bowel resection. It protrudes out about like a half a golf ball.

    My colorectal surgeon recommended an open repair with “plastic” and was very brief with any details or possible complications. He is a well-regarded surgeon but I wondered if I should choose a specialist? Subsequently, I consulted Dr. Todd Harris (In Southern California). He also recommended an open, mesh repair. He is referenced in the forum briefly.

    Both doctors assured me any negatives about mesh were more related to other types of hernias or other afflicted areas. I still can’t decide which doctor to use but Dr. Harris experience and sheer numbers are making me lean that way instead of ancillary factors like location, staff and facilities.

    I still have concerns with mesh due to all the horror stories but also due to my own autoimmune diseases and allergies. Dr. Harris said he has never had any problems with rejection or reactions to the mesh. They just make it seem like it’s the gold standard, and the only way to go.

    Trying to decide who and how to treat the hernia has caused a lot of additional anxiety since there were other complications after this last surgery and I would like to avoid that.

    Also would like to avoid re-injury due to common chores such as lifting (or even the lifting and twisting from tasks like laundry) or even sneezing or coughing.
    Any suggestions or insights would be appreciated.

    Unknown Member replied 3 years, 7 months ago 4 Members · 10 Replies
  • 10 Replies
  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    August 17, 2020 at 8:05 am

    A hybrid such as Tela Bio’s Ovitex may be a less risky type of mesh for autoimmune disease patients. Of course, none of the doctors I have consulted mentioned this. Also, doctors seem very reluctant to have their mesh choice questioned let alone consider patient input or concerns.

    Does anyone have any experience with this type of mesh? Thus far, I have only read one post from anyone on this forum who has had this mesh.

  • Good intentions

    Member
    August 12, 2020 at 2:22 pm

    Here is a recent article about incisional hernias. I don’t know if it wil help you find a surgeon but it might make you think twice about just “giving up” and letting the “system” do what it does. It’s a real mess out there.

    Another “wake-up call” in decades of wake-up calls about hernia repair.

    https://www.generalsurgerynews.com/In-the-News/Article/08-20/Most-Incisional-Hernia-Readmissions-Occur-After-30-Day-Benchmark/59276?sub=3EE812B720B7F25AEE1D6E19A7F2F04BA1326EBA2AB7F03A17348EF62F9488&enl=true&dgid=&utm_source=enl&utm_content=1&utm_campaign=20200812&utm_medium=title

    ” “This should be another wake-up call—not only to hernia surgeons, but also to hospitals, payors and those funding quality improvement and research efforts,” Dr. Poulose said.”

  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    August 12, 2020 at 8:08 am

    This may help others researching this topic:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHMui-wcve4

  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    August 12, 2020 at 7:21 am

    I appreciate that. Unfortunately, I’ve contacted Shouldice clinic and 3 physicians in person and they all stated mesh is required for my variety of hernia.

    So, now I am finding that mesh is chosen by cost and “practical” considerations (e.g. what works best for most).

    I’ve been told the complications are almost all related to vaginal mesh and my rejection or reaction concerns are unwarranted.

    Still wondering what these “mesh options” are?

  • Momof4

    Member
    August 11, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    I disagree with the statement that Polypropelene can’t be rejected! You can have an allergic reaction and/or foreign body response to mesh. I know because it has happened to me with 2 different materials, both synthetic. It has caused lots of suffering and health problems (still is)! Dr. Towfigh has offered her opinion and advice concerning such issues and also issues With mesh arising from existing autoimmune disease and allergies. Search the forum for more information. You need to know the true risks before deciding on a mesh repair. Wishing you the best outcome possible.

  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    August 11, 2020 at 11:19 am

    I have now visited a 3rd doctor. They advised autoimmune concerns were not warranted since polypropylene cannot be rejected. Is there any difference?

    One doctor uses lightweight mesh, the other medium weigh mesh. They stated the medium mesh was stronger. Also, this last doctor mentioned the possibility of a drain. This is the first time anyone has mentioned that; so, that makes me wonder.

    I am ready to quit fighting and just get surgery since, it seems like the repair can only be done one way and risks vs. stress is becoming a concern.

    Any opinions, insights or help is appreciated!

  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    July 25, 2020 at 9:08 am

    Sorry but I meant previous consultations did not address those concerns. This website and your reply have been vastly more informative since, autoimmune issues and mesh seem to be not very well researched.

    Thank-you Dr. Towfigh!

  • drtowfigh

    Moderator
    July 25, 2020 at 7:24 am

    The point is, there are mesh options that are less likely to interfere with your autoimmune disorder and this minimize risk for mesh reaction.

  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    July 25, 2020 at 6:37 am

    Than-you for the information regarding mesh. I had no idea there were so many varieties and materials. My questions regarding regarding mesh and autoimmune disease were not addressed.

  • drtowfigh

    Moderator
    July 24, 2020 at 10:33 pm

    Choose a surgeon you trust and consider multiple consultations if you need. Incisional hernias require mesh. Laparoscopic and open repairs have various pros and cons. There are a wide variety of mesh options, given your autoimmune status.

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