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What is Hernia Mesh?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Hernia mesh is a product which is used in hernia repair. It is made from implant-grade plastics which are formed into a grid which can be used at the site of a hernia to hold herniated organs in place and provide a lattice for new tissue to grow on, effecting a long term repair at the site. This product is not used in all hernia repair surgeries, but it is very common, and there are a variety of types and styles available for surgeons to choose from.

Hernias occur when body organs protrude through the connective tissue which normally protects them and keeps them in place. This creates a distinctive bulge, and it can lead to complications such as death of the herniated tissue. The most common type of hernia is an abdominal hernia, in which the intestines or pads of fatty tissue protrude through the abdominal wall. In most cases, a hernia must be corrected with surgery.

An abdominal hernia is the most common type of hernia.
An abdominal hernia is the most common type of hernia.

Historically, hernia repair was accomplished by pushing the herniated organs back into place, and sewing the weakened tissue back together so that the organs could not protrude. However, this type of repair was vulnerable to recurrence, since the surgery created a weak spot. When the mesh is applied, it covers the weak area, rather like a tire patch, and it is sutured in place. The mesh holds back the organs while the area heals, and promotes the growth of new connective tissue across the mesh to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Hernias occur when organs bulge through the connective tissue that normally keeps them in place.
Hernias occur when organs bulge through the connective tissue that normally keeps them in place.

The hernia mesh is designed to be left at the site. In some cases, the mesh remains intact, while in other instances, it may bioabsorb, breaking down over time as the site heals just like absorbable stitches do. Hernia mesh is non-reactive, and it should not cause infections, the development of allergies, or other complications. The surgeon chooses a mesh which best fits a client's case and the surgeon's experience, and many meshes can be cut to size for specific applications.

The surgeon chooses a hernia mesh which best fits a client's case and the surgeon's experience.
The surgeon chooses a hernia mesh which best fits a client's case and the surgeon's experience.

On occasion, a hernia mesh may fail, or be poorly designed. Some companies have issued recalls of their products, indicating that surgeons should remove their defective meshes before they cause complications. When a recall is issued, information is sent to the surgeons who use that company's products, and the surgeons are expected to notify patients. Patients may want to ask about the specific brand and style of hernia mesh used in their hernia repair at the time of a surgery, so that if a recall is issued and their surgeon cannot contact them, they can use the services of another surgeon to address the recall.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon155602

Which law is applicable to sell the hernia mesh as a medical device in Latin American countries?

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    • An abdominal hernia is the most common type of hernia.
      By: Rafael Ben-Ari
      An abdominal hernia is the most common type of hernia.
    • Hernias occur when organs bulge through the connective tissue that normally keeps them in place.
      By: Monkey Business
      Hernias occur when organs bulge through the connective tissue that normally keeps them in place.
    • The surgeon chooses a hernia mesh which best fits a client's case and the surgeon's experience.
      By: fivepointsix
      The surgeon chooses a hernia mesh which best fits a client's case and the surgeon's experience.