[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 2 years, 7 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]

Thanks Colin.

Was it Dr Kang who did the surgery himself? Do members of his team carry put the surgery too on occasions meaning you can’t always guarantee having Dr Kang himself?

[William Bryant]

Sorry for butting in… Does Dr Kang cut any nerves?

[William Bryant]

What country are you in Wim? Has it got worse? Do you take things easy and what surgery would you have?

[William Bryant]

I don’t know if anyone who contributed to this thread is still posting but if they are…

Does shouldice Canada still use metal thread? If so what type of metal?

Is Kang method metal and plastic and foreign material free?

Do either or both cut cut nerves?

Finally thanks Colin for the initial post, most useful getting view of someone who’s had both types of repair.

I do take the point made there’s 20 years between them.

[William Bryant]

Thanks Wim,
Have you had any other tests following ultrasound?

[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.