[linzee.1018]

Hi Jonsaunt,
My immune response was trivial in that the stitches involved were for skin procedures. Sore to touch, until the stitches dissolved away. Since avoided that brand of sutures.
I’ve heard that bacteriophages are starting to be looked at in USA, for dealing with some difficult to treat infections. Have you come across these; bacterial viruses? Probably very impractical at this stage, but just mentioning. Otherwise could enhance options/strategy/buy time where there are no easy options. Have been used in places in Eastern Europe since 1950’s.
All the best……

[linzee.1018]

Hi Jonsaunt,
I’m very sorry to hear of your medical problems, and I can understand the position you are in.
I am not a medical person, but I had a hernia tissue repair 12 months ago. Prior to this, I did some research to help me decide the best course of action for myself. I have a biological research background.
Reading your post, I was wondering whether you have an immune response to the pig bladder mesh. If there was, I imagine it would be only part of the obstacles you face.
I mention this because I get an immune response to a certain suture product (made from reconstituted animal tissue), also something I came across in my research. The issue may not be universally recognised, perhaps in part because of alternative explanations for patient reactions from manufacturers defending a particular product, and because strong patient immune reactions are not common. I am not trying to generalise here, good medicos would be well aware of the issue.
All the best with your treatment.
L….

[linzee.1018]

Hi dog.
Apologies for slow reply, and initial confusion. There is only 1 link to a youtube video. What may look like a second link is just my clumsy way of referring back the first and only link. I thought the video was pretty good also. 🙂
Cheers, L..

[linzee.1018]

Hi dog and Dr Kang,

I joined hernia talk yesterday. I had a Kang repair at Gipum Hospital 6 weeks ago, and thought writing up my experience of this might be helpful to some people in similar position I was in last year. I was wondering where on this site to post my description for anyone interested. By genuine coincidence dog, your last post looks to provide a good entry point, for what I had prepared. I hope I’m not seen as butting into a 2 way conversation.

My experience in going to Korea for a Kang repair.
7th January, 2019
My name is Lindsay, Australian, age in early 60’s. My contribution is for anyone with an inguinal hernia that is considering travelling for a mesh-free repair. I relate how I reviewed my options when in this position, ended choosing a Kang repair, and my experiences in following this through in Korea. My experience was very positive.
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Background
I had an indirect inguinal hernia for >10 years, which deteriorated quickly and needed to be fixed. My quickest option was a local mesh repair, which in my case was to be larger than average in scope, entailing an open operation and general anesthetic.
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I did some internet searches and noticed concerns with hernia mesh repairs. These included unpredictable adverse responses to mesh in some patients, and that significant pain was not uncommon after the repair. I also found reports that large hernias carry a higher than average possibility of recurrence, and higher probability of problems with mesh pain. From this, I sought only mesh-free repairs, but found only one clinic advertising this option in Australia.
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Non-mesh inguinal hernia repair options
I found “HerniaTalk” to be a good place to learn about non-mesh inguinal hernia repairs, and where they might be available. I encountered recent information mostly on Shouldice, Desarda and Kang repairs. I found a recent presentation by Dr. Kang that provided a very useful overview to inguinal hernia repair approaches – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzOyeRYysj4 . Hence, the Kang repair for indirect inguinal hernia appeared to me to be most suited to my situation. This repair is available at Gipum Hospital in Seoul.
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The strengths I saw in a Kang Repair
___The repair is mesh-free, eliminating any mesh pain.
___The repair is tailored to the underlying basis of the hernia, and hence is minimally invasive in scope, with consequent benefits:- -smallest incision, -suited to local anesthetic and so safer for older patients, -least pain, -short in duration, -faster post repair recovery.
___For indirect inguinal hernia, due to the tissues used in the repair and the repair site, I gathered that the Kang repair is least affected by size of the hernia, additionally beneficial to my situation.
___Additionally, Dr. Kang is highly experienced and has refined his technique over >6000 operations (2013 to 2017).
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Further support for a Kang repair, that appealed to me
___Dr Kang’s credentials, professional affiliations and achievements, which appear at the start of his video reviewing inguinal hernia repairs – Youtube..link above
___Dr. Kang is Director of Gipum Hospital, which is a specialist hospital for hernia repair.
___Dr. Kang observed a low recurrence rate while refining his repair technique.
___Positive contributions on “HerniaTalk”, by overseas patients who had a Kang repair.
___Direct phone conversation with a former patient who had a Kang repair in 2017.
The above led me to feel confident that going to Korea for a Kang repair would be a safe decision for me. An additional advantage for Australians going to Korea, is Seoul is only 1 to 2 hours different from Australian time, so no jetlag.
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Experience at Gipum Hospital
___After contacting Stephen Kwon at Gipum Hospital, I could book a repair 4 weeks in advance (for November 19). A family member went with me for support.
___Despite Seoul being a very big city, an inexpensive express bus took us from the airport to the hospital vicinity (a frequent service). There are 2 comfortable hotels on the bus route, each within 10 minutes walk from Gipum hospital.
___Everything medical occurred from scratch on the day of the booking, from early admission to the afternoon repair. The hospital is well equipped, and busy, with a streamlined case-evaluation process; ultra-sound, medical tests and checks, then review by Dr Kang.
___As a non-Korean speaking overseas patient, I was guided through the medical process by Stephen Kwon. Stephen also interpreted where necessary. The people I most needed to interact with spoke English, while most other staff knew enough English words to let me know what was happening. The hospital staff were very friendly.
___Initially unsure, I needn’t have had any concerns with a local anesthetic for the repair. Patients are offered a sedative with the local, which left me pleasantly relaxed through the procedure. There were 6 or 7 repairs on the day of my visit. Older patients have an overnight stay for observation, with very comfortable private rooms available if required.
___I experienced very little pain. Extended pain control is offered for the second day, and then tablets for a couple more days. Some people prefer to limit the extended pain control, to better guard against inadvertent injury to the repair over the first few days.
___My repair went very well, incision was small 3.5cm, no bleeding or bruising, no infection, post-operative swelling wasn’t concerning, quickish recovery (full recovery strength is many months).
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After repair care
___It is suggested overseas patients arrive in Seoul a full day before the hospital, and take 4-6 days recovering before final review and flight home. I found this good advice.
___First 2 days post repair I took short walks inside the hotel, next 2 days longer walks outside. Patients advised they can tour around Seoul on days 5 and 6.
___We flew out of Korea on day 7, after the all-clear from Dr. Kang. I was back at work on day 10. For first few weeks precaution with coughing/sneezing, with lifting, and pushing stiff doors.
___Now its 6 weeks after the repair, tenderness around the incision has mostly gone. Everything is going well, no indication of any problem.
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I am very glad I went to Gipum Hospital for my repair, and experienced a good outcome that can come from a minimally invasive method and a very experienced surgeon. I very much enjoyed meeting Dr. Kang, and felt well cared for in his hospital. I had an enjoyable experience in Korea.
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All the best to those considering their repair options. Lindsay….