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Seeking recommendations for non-mesh surgeons — Runner’s dilemma
Hello all,
I’ve been trawling through the forum and have found it incredibly helpful. However, I felt compelled to make this post as I find myself in a bit of a quandary. I’ve been putting off an inguinal hernia repair for some years now, mainly because I didn’t want to compromise my active lifestyle: I’m 47 but still an avid runner, you see.
I’ve read enough horror stories about mesh complications to know I’d prefer a mesh-free repair. I’ve also read that the tissue-to-tissue repair works exceptionally well for active people, so that’s what I’m leaning towards. Having done my research, it’s clear that most of the renowned experts for this type of repair are based in Germany. Yet, the information available seems quite scattered.
I was wondering if any fellow active folk on here have undergone a mesh-free inguinal hernia repair and could offer some recommendations? Did you find the recovery period impacted your performance? And importantly, who did you consult for the procedure?
I would really appreciate any advice, guidance or surgeon recommendations. Your help could get me back to pounding the pavement much sooner, and for that, I’d be incredibly grateful!
Cheers,
Chappers -
16 Replies
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Hi @Chappers I’m currently in a very similar position that you were in when you published this post, and I’m curious to know which surgeon you decided to proceed with in the end? It would great to hear an update from you if possible.
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Thanks Rob a definite option for UK patients who want no mesh.
Here is a bit more about the surgeon
“Mr Sadler now only performs local aneasthetic hernia surgery. He is the largest single user of ProGrip mesh in the United Kingdom (approximately 4000 procedures) and has performed almost 6000 career hernia operations”.
Presumably a fair number of the remaining 2000 were tissue repairs?
From March this year insurance no longer accepted. I wonder why? Just out of curiousity really.
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The costs are on his website and obviously it depends on the size and complexity of the hernia but for a small Inguinal hernia like mine it was £2,100 which was covered by my works health insurance scheme!
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Thanks again Rob, definitely worth consideration as he can do mesh too so like the German’s, possibly a tailored approach.
How much was the cost of its okay to ask?
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This reply was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by William Bryant.
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This reply was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by
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Hi William,
I only know I had a local anaesthetic and was awake during the procedure (obviously I didn’t feel a thing!)
I did look at the Shouldice and Desarda repairs but couldn’t find anyone offering these in the UK (I didn’t want to travel abroad) and these types of repair are expensive too!
I did my research online and read that the Bassini was as effective as the Shouldice and Desarda in terms of failure rates as well as mesh repairs with small hernias (which I had).
I live an hours drive from Oxford so this was also a factor in my decision.
Since the Operation I have had no pain or discomfort at all (After the first week) so I am extremely happy to recommend Dr Sadler and his team, definitely add him to your shortlist!
Rob
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Thanks for that Rob. Could I just ask what anaesthetic did Dr Sadler use? And what made you choose Dr Sadler rather than a more modern and or widely known and used repair such as Shouldice and Desarda? I’m in UK too and may add Dr Sadler to my shortlist. Which is getting longer!
Meshornomesh Dr. Sadler does indeed do Bassini and I listed him on my thread UK list of non mesh surgeons.
It’s great to hear from a patient though. And positive too. Thanks Rob again.
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This reply was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by William Bryant.
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This reply was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by
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If you look at the info booklet on his website he does offer a non mesh Bassini type repair, this is what I went with.
I was in and out of the hospital in a couple of hours and have had no pain or problems with the repair I am really happy with the outcome!
A very resonance price too, check out his reviews they are all excellent!
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Hi Chappers,
I am also in the UK and recently (4 months ago) had a mesh free Inguinal hernia repair done by Dr Greg Sadler at the Oxford Hernia Clinic and can highly recommend.
Take a look at his website at oxfordherniaclinic.com
Rob
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Just a quick update. Although the video doesn’t mention him by name, I had an ‘aha’ moment after watching an interview of Dr. Koch with Dr. Towfigh. Turns out, the gentleman seen at the 07:55 mark in Ben’s vlog is none other than Dr. Koch himself.
So I’ve taken the plunge and booked a video consultation with Dr. Koch for the 27th of September through the biohernia website. Just waiting for their confirmation now.
Once again, I’d be ever so grateful for any experiences you all might be willing to share regarding Dr. Koch or biohernia.
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Hello Chappers, the last comment under the video does indeed say Ben’s surgery was by Dr Koch. Although the author doesn’t say how this is known to them.
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Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone for their incredibly helpful replies. I realise now that I should have mentioned I’m based in the UK and would prefer to stay within Europe for the operation. Crossing the pond to the US is a bit out of my comfort zone, not to mention the generally higher healthcare costs there.
@Bryan, it’s rather funny you mention biohernia. Since my last post, I’ve dug a bit deeper and stumbled upon something interesting. One of my favourite YouTube runners, Ben Parkes, actually had a mesh-free hernia repair himself a few years ago and vlogged the entire experience. Can’t believe I missed it, especially considering how prominent his YouTube channel is in the running community. But better late than never, right?
Though Ben doesn’t name the surgeon explicitly, he does mention he travelled to Cottbus in Germany for the operation. Given the location, I’m assuming he visited Dr. Andreas Koch at biohernia.
I’m increasingly leaning toward giving that clinic a visit for my own repair. If anyone has any personal experiences with this clinic, I’d be all ears. Your insights would be incredibly valuable as I weigh my options.
If anyone’s interested, the video about his experience can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pCUYZJPmns
Cheers!
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It would be interesting to find out what methods the surgeon who took over Dr. Brown’s practice uses. You’d think that he might have been aligned with Dr. Brown’s thought process but maybe it was just a financial decision.
The web site still contains the old non-mesh descriptions. Dr. Nguyen might be worth contacting.
https://www.sportshernia.com/no-mesh-hernia-repair/
But, it might be that he just left the old stuff there and will recommend a lap procedure. Lap = mesh. Hard to imagine that he would go back to pure tissue after spending his education time on the latest lap procedures.
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I had a successful no mesh (no Shouldice, no Desarda either) indirect hernia repair by the esteemed and talented Dr. William Brown over three years ago. No pain and no problems. I’m just shy of 70 years of age and still run, weightlift, etc. I also work over 40 hours a week at a traditional job. To say I am a fan of no mesh hernia repairs done by a skilled surgeon would be an understatement. If I could I would recommend Dr. William Brown though I’m unable to now as he is retired. If I ever got another hernia I would check out no mesh hernia surgeon Dr. Kevin Peterson out of Las Vegas Nevada. I believe the name of his business is No Insurance Surgery Inc. If you want to fly to South Korea Dr. Kang is a good option. That’s all I’ve got for you for now. Good luck.
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Biohernia list a lot of sports people but some are probably sports hernia not true hernia as in inguinal hernia.
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Dr. Meyers and the Vincera Institute is well-known in the world of runners, and professional sports in general.
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