News Feed Discussions mesh removal without nerve damage

  • mesh removal without nerve damage

    Posted by brunog on May 22, 2020 at 4:46 pm

    I would like to ask surgeons directly.

    I have two inguinal meshes, after the second mesh implant, systemic symptoms began to appear (brain fog, fatigue, chronic pain, dizziness).

    apparently i am having foreign body reactions.

    I know that I must remove the entire mesh in order to improve, but I don’t want to remove the entire mesh if I have to remove a nerve together, I saw the disgrace that the neurectomy can do and I don’t want that.

    I agreed with my surgeon that if he opens me and to remove the mesh he needs to sacrifice the nerve, he stops, and only take what he can without disturbing my structures. The surgeon said that ok, it could be done like that, however other doctors that I consulted, informed that they would not be able to predict a nerve injury before it happens.

    well I was in doubt, is it really possible to avoid the damage? and remove only what gives? can the surgeon have this precision?

    @dr-wm-brown
    @drtowfigh

    Unknown Member replied 3 years, 10 months ago 4 Members · 13 Replies
  • 13 Replies
  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    May 26, 2020 at 9:53 am

    With my situation I feel I wasn’t educated about all of the potential problems that could result from having a nerve cut. I was told that cutting the genitofemoral nerve would lessen my testicular pain – but instead it made it worse. I don’t know where this logic came from that cutting nerves alleviates pain. I’m here to tell you it hasn’t worked for me. I think removing the mesh in my case was a mistake pure and simple. I’m basically home bound now and in constant pain. No one really wants to help me now and I’m on my own trying to figure it out. It’s affected not only me but my family too. I can’t participate in any activities with them and it kills me. I used to be so active. Now my life is dealing with the after effects of a bad procedure. I would make a deal with the devil if I could feel better. Don’t be seduced by a smiling fast talking surgeon. Do your homework and think it through. There is no going back once you’ve had the surgery.

  • ajm222

    Member
    May 26, 2020 at 8:53 am

    did you ever get any clarification about specifically what happened? is it thought that in fact a nerve was cut, leading to the increased pain? or is it uncertain?

  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    May 26, 2020 at 7:04 am

    Exactly my point. Although my case was fairly straightforward and I knew the risks I was swept up in the prospect of the potential “magic” fix. I had been in pain for almost 2 years. And while I thought I understood everything I didn’t understand that there is no magic fix and while I had arguably the best removal surgeon around / things happen. Now I’m still dealing with the problems and he’s long gone.

  • ajm222

    Member
    May 26, 2020 at 6:50 am

    i’ve definitely read a lot of those stories. it’s certainly a concern. usually that seems to happen to folks who have their meshed removed by someone who isn’t really a removal specialist or expert, or have a very complicated case. but not always. i think in your case you may have gone to one of the best if my assumptions are correct, and your situation wasn’t especially complicated. so as you say, anything can happen. it’s a risky surgery even in the best hands it seems.

  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    May 24, 2020 at 10:50 am

    Only other thing I’ll add because after almost a year I’m still so angry, ask a million questions. I didn’t. If you’re not 100% sure it’s right don’t do it. Nerves do get cut inadvertently and then what? And believe me after several months your surgeon will move on and you’ll be left picking up the pieces. Go read some of the horror stories on Facebook.,,,I wish I had.

  • ajm222

    Member
    May 24, 2020 at 10:21 am

    Gotcha thanks for the clarification. That perspective makes sense.

  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    May 24, 2020 at 8:04 am

    If there is a chance that these issues will heal or lessen over time then it’s worth waiting. Try acupuncture, massage, blocks, CBD, medical marijuana, topical creams; anything. Surgery is forever. I don’t know Dr Towfigh but most surgeons just want to cut. That’s how they’re trained. With me, I didn’t do all of my homework and now I’m paying the price. I wish I had waited a bit. My pain and disability from having my mesh removed is 20 times more than prior to surgery. And if you go onto the mesh removal Facebook sites you’ll read other mesh removal horror stories. If you’re not on the floor doubled over in pain or if it’s not infected/ maybe you can live with it. I think even Dr Towfigh would agree mesh removal is invasive, risky and dangerous. Take a breath.

  • ajm222

    Member
    May 24, 2020 at 6:45 am

    True, though I guess the question is what would waiting avoid if you ultimately still end up getting it done. I wonder if the testicular pain is actually related to the removal of that nerve or something else. That area seems so complex and so many things are interacting with one another.

  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    May 24, 2020 at 5:43 am

    Just be careful with the word “rarely”. Doesn’t mean never. I had my mesh removed laparoscopically and the genitofemoral nerve was taken. Left me with testicular pain and other related problems. If you’re on the fence and aren’t sure – wait. You always can do it. Wish I had.

  • ajm222

    Member
    May 23, 2020 at 1:46 pm

    Ah thank you that’s very helpful

  • drtowfigh

    Moderator
    May 23, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    I should have clarified: for OPEN inguinal mesh removal.

    For laparoscopic, we rarely have to do a neurectomy, as the nerves are not exposed.

    In my opinion, mesh removal should always be done by a specialist, as the risk of complications is not low.

  • ajm222

    Member
    May 23, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    Interesting. Dr Belyansky had advised me that he tries to avoid cutting any nerves. Maybe he was talking about more major nerves. I’ve heard from some patients that have suggested after removal they have some serious issues after nerves were cut that involves even worse pain, and perhaps even sexual function issues. Hard to know what to expect. I had anticipated getting the mesh removed and have heard both that it’s safe in the right hands, but also some real horror stories. Still undecided. Want it out, but scared.

  • drtowfigh

    Moderator
    May 23, 2020 at 10:18 am

    For inguinal hernia mesh removal, nerve damage from the mesh removal process is likely. Not all nerves may be at risk, but typically at least one may be. So, the surgeon should consider neurectomy at that time. If neurectomy is not performed, the risk of chronic nerve pain, neuroma is high and can be quite life-altering. And treatment afterwards may not be successful without another operation.

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