[William Bryant]

I agree Good Intentions, it’s so difficult to know what is best. For my part Im thinking non mesh is better for me but then one day it’s shouldice the next Kang. It gets very confusing. And already feeling apprehensive about surgery just clouds the issue further.

I didnt pay too much attention to that blogger as she did seem keen to push mesh, so no surprise she didn’t write supprtive of non mesh.

[William Bryant]

https://canadianfemalesurgeon.wordpress.com/2015/05/19/the-problem-with-shouldice-or-the-most-dangerous-phrase-in-the-english-language-weve-always-done-it-this-way/

Here is the link for the article above in case anyone is interested. Being, relatively, new to this forum if my posting contravenes any forum rules. Please just delete it. Thank you.

[William Bryant]

Hello Colin thanks for coming back on and clarifying, I really appreciate your post/s.

I’m not sure if there have been any advancements, I’ve just read an article from a Canadian, hernia and general, surgeon, feels the shouldice Canada results are skewed a bit because in the surgeons view, shouldice is selective about who it performs the surgery on. In their the “healthy”, apart from hernia. The surgeon was also critical that shouldice Canada doesn’t follow up, patients, more long term than it does. So disappointed clients years later won’t show as anything but successes as they were pleased to start with.

I don’t know if that’s all true.

At least in your case shouldice Canada has been a success. And it looks like the kang one too.

The Korean age? How does that work? Is there any around the world that would make me younger?

[William Bryant]

Thanks Pinto. I hope the post op issue/s are or have been sorted for you.

(Are you in the UK as the “outrageous, outrageous” reminded me of some UK telly programme?).

[William Bryant]

Brilliant Pinto, that answer was very thought provoking. Got me thinking anyway!

[William Bryant]

And even better that Colin still posted all this time later when asked questions.

[William Bryant]

Thanks Dr Towfigh… Do non mesh repairs use the items you mentioned? Or does that depend on the surgeon and what he/she uses.

By the way, it’s brilliant giving us this forum and answering when you are, clearly, very busy! Thank you. I really appreciate the answer.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by  William Bryant.

[William Bryant]

Sorry Pinto I didn’t mean to imply you meant Colin’s “bias” was intentional.

Whether the shouldice technique has changed at all is an unknown, apparently. It may have changed, it may not have done. It cant just be assumed it has. And even if it has changed it may not have been for the better!

So unless we can find someone who has had both Kang and Shouldice operations with only a short time between them, Colin’s experience is pretty unique and I appreciate his time posting it.

Albeit I fully take on board your point about the time difference between the two. But then what should be the ideal time difference for comparisons? 1 minute, 1 month, 1 year, 1 decade? Simultaneously?
And then is it fair to compare if one is carried out by the inventor and the other by someone other than the person responsible for it’s existence.

Basically Colin’s comparison is about the best we have got and are likely to get.

But I always enjoy reading your posts so thanks for your comments too.

[William Bryant]

Pinto, if you don’t mind a belated question… Was your surgery mesh or non mesh? Thanks.

[William Bryant]

Actually Pinto, for me, if Colin’s experiences of two different surgeries were hidden in other posts, not sure it would be as easy to see. I’m finding it difficult searching back to things I’ve read in posts that I’d like to remember… for instance:-
I read things to ask UK non mesh surgeon, think it was about cutting cremaster nerve in a thread – not able to find it again.

Also in another were the supplements that had be taken prior to operation.

There can’t be many people who have had 2 different non mesh operations so it was good to hear from someone who has. I dint think there was any intentional bias anymore than there would be if I said “gas” at dentist when I was 8 but injection in my 30s, I found injection better for me.

[William Bryant]

Thanks MarkT

Google suggests prolene is probably less likely to cause a reaction.

[William Bryant]

Thanks Dr Towfigh and Johnso for highlighting possible adverse reactions..

Dr Towfigh…
I get red nose and bumps on nose in sun and to a lesser extent even in winter which I think is due to blood pressure pills I take. I don’t know if it is acne aereta but it is some form of acne I believe. Masks aggravate it too.

Additionally metal belt buckles, backs of some watches and metal zips on funnel neck coats thst zip right up, irritate my skin if the metal contacts it. Rash, spots, itchy.

Would you think I am allergic to nickel and if so would you think a non mesh repair would be better to avoid adverse reactions?

I’d really appreciate your view as it is causing me stress worrying which way to go.

Many thanks

[William Bryant]

Maybe its an impossible dream?

[William Bryant]

Thanks Johnso I’ve read that medical stainless steel uses about 8% nickel

I dont know I have a nickel allergy for sure but surface skin reaction to metal items suggests some metal items cause rash, itching and small sore areas on me

I can’t believe no allergy testing is undertaken. Seems a bit lax.

Also seems every way I turn there’s a problem.

If I react badly to steel/nickel it seems to rule out shouldice Canada as once the sutures are in, I’m assuming it’s unsafe to take out?

Now I’m looking for non mesh with no nerve cutting and no metallic sutures… Any suggestions or recommendations anyone?

[William Bryant]

Thanks Johnso… I dont suppose anyone knows if the stainless steel shouldice use has nickel in it?

As I’ve said elsewhere I do get skin irritation from some metal watch backs, some belt buckles and some coat zips if they go up to neck.

[William Bryant]

Also Jack,

With regard to ultrasound, I asked my doctor (NHS) if he was going to arrange one and he said yes. The appointment has come through but I’ve not had it yet. Not sure ct or MRI wouldn’t be more revealing.

[William Bryant]

That’s a brilliant and most useful reply Jack. Really appreciate it.

I think it was Simon Bailey where I read that he cuts nerve or nerves. But I’ve read so much I may be mistaken.

I agree about procedures overseas and follow up…. But, the UK seems to have less non mesh expertise and specialists. It’s a real shame Peter Jones retired.

How long have you been watching and waiting?

My bump or lump is about egg shaped but not as round, maybe slightly smaller than egg. Maybe ping pong or golf ball but not as rounded. It’s above and slightly to the right of my right testicle. And my right testicle hangs lower than left. I don’t know if it always did.

The after surgery risks have preyed on my mind so much. It’s so depressing.

Many thanks for your reply. Most helpful and sums up UK situation.

Regarding plastic or metal stuff in body… I know zips, belt buckles and backs of some metal watches irritate my skin if they contact them.

[William Bryant]

Hello MikeL, it’s frustrating that there doesn’t seem to be many recommendations or reviews for UK non mesh surgeons.

Has anyone on here had a non mesh repair in UK? If so which surgeon was it?

Someone must have had non mesh in UK but cannot find reviews or recommendations, might be my search skills or lack of them.

[William Bryant]

Hello Alephy,
I may be thick, actually it’s most likely! But I cannot make out if you are saying watchful waiting is bad, good, acceptable or dependant on hernia.

With the risks of surgery, I can see why people put off surgery. But is it likely to make things worse?

[William Bryant]

Dan, I’m not sure the pandemic will be short lived. UK rates are on the rise for example. I’d be interested in a Dr Kang repair too but I am not keen on flying! And at the moment I think it would be 14 day quarantine although not sure if that applies if you are double jabbed and or had third/booster.

Do you know the quarantine procedure requirements by any chance?

The pregnant woman anecdote. Thanks for that. It does go along with the Gipum hospital low reoccurrence figures. And I’d imagine having a baby inside, with the turning and pushing, etc would put a lot of pressure on her body.