[rcl0223]

Thanks @markt I’m hoping I don’t need to get an MRI because it’s expensive, and the surgeon can tell me what he’d recommend. Everything I’ve read said ultrasounds with standing Valsalva is the best way to see if there’s a recurrence, but really hoping the surgeons can chime in here and give me some good advice.

@drtowfigh – really admire you and hoping you can share some insight into my questions as you have time and what you’d recommend as my next steps. I will post once I meet with my surgeon as well.

[rcl0223]

Thanks for the replies, Dr. Towfigh. Can you provide percentages as they tie to recurrence rates and the chances of nerve damage in open, non-mesh repairs? I’m still weighing my options on which direction to take (lap mesh, vs. open non-mesh). The surgeon I met with stated the recurrence rate for non-mesh repair, bassini technique, is around 10%, and chronic pain percentage around 5-7%. It would be great if you could share these numbers to justify going one way or the other. And again, if you had a healthy, 33 year old male come in for hernia surgery, which route you would recommend for long term quality of life?

Other surgeons can feel free to chime in as well.

Thanks!

[rcl0223]

Just to clarify the last question – wanted to get Dr. Towfigh’s opinion on which route a young, healthy person should take (mesh or non-mesh). Thanks.

[rcl0223]

Have you asked the surgeon about chronic pain and his success rate with patients? I myself am in the the same situation, however, I only have a right inguinal and will need surgery soon. I have a big list of questions I’ll be asking two surgeons close to me that have quite a bit of experience with hernia repair. I would also ask your surgeon(s) if they perform non-mesh repair, and if they do, how many they have performed. There is always the Shouldice hospital in Canada as an option for non-mesh repair. There are also a handful of doctors in the states that perform other types of non-mesh repair such as modified shouldice and desarda. You can find names by googling. Your best bet is to ask your surgeon for advice given your anxiety, as I’m in the same boat. From what I’ve learned on this forum, most people do fine with mesh but it’s definitely a hard decision. Pleas keep us updated on your progress and what you choose.

[rcl0223]

Thanks agian for your responses! The doctor I found has performed thousands of laprocopic hernia procedures (and again was on the AHS website). If you have some recommendations in surrounding states, please post them here so I can research (please and thanks!). Additionally, are there certain questions you would ask the surgeon to get a good vibe on how well the surgery typically goes for their patients?

[rcl0223]

Hi Mulligan22, please keep us updated on your progress. I am going to have lapro done soon as well. When you say your surgeon does this alot, how many procedures has he completed (if you know).

[rcl0223]

Thanks, Dr. Towfigh. I checkd the AHS website and searched for a doctor in my area (Colorado). If the doctor is listed when you search for a surgeon, are they considered a good option? Specifically, are there any doctors you would reccommend in Colorado?

[rcl0223]

Hello rosesnrubies – any issues since your surgery? I’m going in for surgery in a few week and could use some reassurance! Thanks!