I have bilateral inguinal hernias. I’ve talked to three surgeons, but none have been able to satisfy my concerns regarding having these repaired with synthetic mesh. As you must know using synthetic mesh to repair hernias has a commendably low reoccurrence rate, however there are numerous studies associating mesh with chronic pain. Some studies put the risk of this as high as 30%.
There’s some evidence that slim, fit and active people are at a higher risk of this, which applies to me. Also after 60 years first hand experience with my body I have learnt it objects to foreign body implants. The critical factor for me, while there are numerous surgeons more than happy to put mesh in, taking it out seems to be major undertaking with some real dangers. Additionally, there's a real possibility removal won't stop chronic pain. I'm not prepared to take that risk.
With reluctance, two of the surgeons I spoke with are prepared to use older surgery techniques such as McVay or Bassini techniques, but both warned of permanent stiffness, loss of function, pain and 20% to 30% likelihood of reoccurrence. None of which appeals to me, I don't want to have to go through bilateral surgery, then have it fail and have to go through it again.
It seems every road has major drawbacks for what should be a relatively minor surgery. I am at my wits end. Do you have any suggestion as to what I could do?
John
There’s some evidence that slim, fit and active people are at a higher risk of this, which applies to me. Also after 60 years first hand experience with my body I have learnt it objects to foreign body implants. The critical factor for me, while there are numerous surgeons more than happy to put mesh in, taking it out seems to be major undertaking with some real dangers. Additionally, there's a real possibility removal won't stop chronic pain. I'm not prepared to take that risk.
With reluctance, two of the surgeons I spoke with are prepared to use older surgery techniques such as McVay or Bassini techniques, but both warned of permanent stiffness, loss of function, pain and 20% to 30% likelihood of reoccurrence. None of which appeals to me, I don't want to have to go through bilateral surgery, then have it fail and have to go through it again.
It seems every road has major drawbacks for what should be a relatively minor surgery. I am at my wits end. Do you have any suggestion as to what I could do?
John