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    Are hernia meshes safe?

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    I have been advised to have a hernia repair with mesh but don’t know. What are these meshes made from and are they permanent?
    • 1 answer
    • Dr Shekhar Sharma

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  • Dr Shekhar Sharma

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    As a general surgeon with 20+ years of experience, I strongly believe in “ethical & quality care”. I offer services in all general surgical work … View Profile

    Surgical meshes used for hernia repair help to reinforce and provide strength to the area of defect which caused the hernia. They act as a framework and allow body to form scar tissue around it.

    These meshes have been approved by various regulatory authorities in different countries which oversee use of implants and devices in medical use (e.g. TGA in Australia, FDA in US, etc.). Majority of hernia repairs do require mesh to allow satisfactory repair of tissues and decrease the risk of hernia recurrence (coming back).

    There are many different types of meshes (for use in different settings) and are made from synthetic materials (e.g. Polypropylene) or animal tissue or may have different types of coating to make them suitable for a specific purpose. While some meshes are dissolved by the body, most of them are permanent.

    Please talk to your surgeon before the surgery about any concerns you may have.

    The advice provided here is generic and does not take your particular circumstances into account. Please seek independent advice for your situation.

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