Types of Hernia Mesh

Understanding Types of Hernia Mesh & How it is used

Hernias are mostly a result of a combination of pressure and an opening or weakness of muscle or connective tissue. While conducting hernia surgery, surgeons for the last few decades have been employing a loosely woven sheet of surgical mesh that is either synthetic or derived from cow or pig tissue. Hernia mesh also called surgical mesh is a medical device that provides additional support to weakened or damaged tissue. Hernia mesh is used in both open as well as the laparoscopic type of surgery.

Types of Hernia Mesh

Most of the hernia mesh devices presently available for use are made from synthetic materials or animal tissue. The surgical mesh that is produced with synthetic materials can be found in form of a knitted mesh or non-knitted sheets. The synthetic materials are absorbable, non-absorbable, or a combination of absorbable and non-absorbable materials. Whereas animal-derived mesh is absorbable, is produced with animal tissue, like intestine or skin, and is processed and disinfected to be suitable for use. Most of the tissues used to make these surgical mesh implants come from a pig or cow source.

The hernia mesh that is non-absorbable can remain in the body indefinitely and is deemed as a permanent implant. It gives permanent reinforcement to the repaired hernia. On the other hand, an absorbable mesh will degrade and decrease in strength over time. It does not provide long-term reinforcement to the repaired hernia. With the degradation of the material, new tissue growth is utilized to provide strength to the repair.

The primary benefit of employing a hernia mesh in hernia surgery is that it strengthens a wider area around the opening to reduce the chance of recurrence. Hernia repair surgeries are quite common and the majority of these surgeries across the globe employ surgical mesh.

How is Hernia Repair Conducted with a Mesh?

The procedure of hernia repair surgery can take from 30 minutes to two hours. In the surgery, the mesh acts as a flexible scaffold in hernia repair surgery. It plays the function of reinforcing muscle walls and preventing organs from coming through. This can stop the condition from worsening. While conducting the surgery, a mesh is placed over the open hernia. Surgeons use sutures, tacks, or surgical glue to guarantee that the mesh stays in place. With time, the patient’s tissue grows into the small pores in the mesh and provides strengthen the muscle wall. This produces scar tissue that supports the hernia site.

Dr. Rengan is a senior hernia surgeon who will use the right mesh for your hernia problem.