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Mesh removal options
Kicking around mesh removal. Had both sides placed laparoscopically.
Was given the option of removing one at a time instead of both in the same surgery. Concerned about the length of the surgery.
Is it a bad idea to split them up into two surgeries? Is this common practice?
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7 Replies
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Sounds like a good plan.
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Thanks. That’s a great question. Haven’t thought that far ahead. Believe it or not, I’m not adverse to mesh if it’s done right by a specialist.
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I hope everything goes well for you dh305. Out of interest may I ask how your hernias will be repaired after the mesh is removed? Will you have an open tissue repair at a later date?
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Thanks Dr. T. Yes, would be done robotically by a Doctor that you’ve had a guest on your weekly show. Sounds like both at once is the way to go.
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If the mesh was placed laparoscopically, then the mesh removal should be done lap or robotically.
I do both sides at the same time. The scars are the same. The OR time is longer but less than double the time of only doing one side. Extra anesthesia time in an otherwise healthy patient is not an issue. The recovery is better with both sides done.
If open: that’s a lot more recovery per side. So, I stage those. Usually do one side first.
Make sure your surgeon does a lot of these, and successfully.
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Thanks. I was told both sides would take between 3 to 3 1/2 hours. It seems like it was really my call. Concerned about the length of being under, but also concerned about multiple invasions of the abdomen, considering I already did it once.
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Removing mesh is tedious work if the surgeon wants to take extra care to not damage any nerves or critical structures. I asked my surgeon about doing both sides in one go and he said it was really just too hard on him, he needed a break in between. Each side took 2-3 hours, I think. Plus I don’t think it’s good for the patient to be unconscious for so long.
I’d give the person removing the mesh as much time as they need.
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