Touring cyclist, 70, cross training in the gym during the winter, and... just got referral for surgery consult Inguinal Hernia. On the learning curve. Thanks for video.
Dang. Thst is brutal. I do not want to double down on my repair. Glad you are on the mend now. I was not prepared for the aftermath of the procedure. It is a big deal and it took time to recover. Back to running again.
I’m two years out open bilateral inguinal with mesh. I still get twinges of pain sometimes but no big deal, if I do heavy lifting I get soreness. Didn’t want to go robotic as frankly don’t like the idea of it, and the chance of recurrence is higher with any laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery. Took me a good year to heal also I’m 60 years old.
Interesting video. I had (open mesh plug & patch modified technique) surgery self funded nearly 10 months ago as elective surgery here in UK is pretty poor at moment (1+yr wait minimu) besides paying into the system for 36 years. I had a 1cm indirect inguinal defect and a lipoma (which was removed) I'm 54kg 52 years old and at the time of hernia was running about 30+ miles a week. After surgery it was painful for about a week or two I stated walking the next day and within a few weeks was up to about 5-7 miles a day. It was 6 weeks before I started running again which was gentle and short for a week or two and kept to no more than 3 miles at an easy pace for 6 months before any speed work or longer distance and even now not gone below a 6min mile pace other than the odd short interval session. I also find doing shorter runs more often instead of longer runs seems to help things too. Sitting, bending and certain clothing has usually made things more uncomfortable for me. Only really started to loosen up at about 6-7 months and still get uncomfortable days now and then. I'm sure things will continue to improve for you as you describe similar discomfort to my own and likewise I'd sooner put up with slight discomfort from scar tissue etc. than a hernia that could strangulate. I had an excellent and very experienced surgeon with over 3500 of these procedures to his name and very high success rate . Best wishes
I’m day ten out from open mesh at age 66. Virtually no pain at this point. Might feel the nerve pain in the morning on occasion or when putting shoes on etc. life long weightlifter, but my days of intense training on anything are over. I’m still plan to lift, but with lighter weight and more reps. I took up a new hobby of playing a musical instrument. You’re younger than I am, but with your reoccurrence, you might reconsider intense biking as a hobby. My surgeon explained to me that even with a successful repair, scar tissue is only 85% as strong, and even less if repaired a second time.
Thank you for your insightful information! I had an inguinal hernia repaired with mesh via robotic surgery in 2016 with very little pain during the recovery period. As a precautionary measure I avoided lifting anything much over 10 pounds for the first four months. The hernia came back at around five months post-surgery. I believe it was from lifting my kayak onto the top of my car. At first I noticed a small bulge but only on occasion and virtually no pain. I stopped kayaking and avoided any other heavy lifting. I went to a surgeon who specializes in hernias for a consultation. He recommended “abdominal wall reconstruction surgery” and told me it would require stitches four or five inches long. I declined to go ahead with it because it was very small and didn’t bother me much. Over the years since, it has gradually grown and now hurts most of the time. I’m now considering that surgery again. I wish there was a less traumatic way of dealing with it. Anyone have any ideas?
Hi, Dr. Dave. I watched all your videos about your hernia journey. I hope you are better now! Unfortunately, as you alluded to in your videos, there are complications. It is best to see a hernia specialist a) when choosing to have hernia surgery and b) when any questions or complications. Best of luck!
I personally didn't expect to get an inguinal hernia at 21 but well, that's life. Now at 22, i had my repair surgery (back in May 2024). Was told that it's pretty rare for a person my age to get the surgery so early after the injury, but going back to the gym was a priority to me Weight lifting is one of my passions so letting it go for the past 3-4 months was a big deal to me, both physically and psychologically. A few tips i'd recommend to people going through the same thing is to keep their head up, time and patience are key and you'll be feeling better soon enough. Static pain for me was gone by the 2nd month post-op, afterwards i would get sudden blunt pain "waves" but nothing close to the pain level pre-surgery or anything. Those were the scariest though haha, i never knew if my repair had failed or if it was just a common feeling from the aftermath. Weight-lifting wise, my surgeon recommended that i stay away from lower body movements such as Deadlifts, Leg Press and Squats for another month or so, same goes for abdominal training. Now, at 4 months post-op i can say that all pains are completely gone, or at least the intervals between no pain at all and periodic uncomfortability or blunt aches have grown larger by a lot. The thing with inguinal hernia surgery though, that i believe most of us fear, is the possibility of a recurrence. It's understandable but you can't fear something that hasn't even happened yet and may not happen at all. I know that it's a struggle, mentally, physically and financially but you can't let it affect you. Once again, you just need to keep your head up and keep moving forward. Slowly and methodically, you'll heal and soon you'll be back to your former habits. Pro tip: Avoid smoking all together, chronic coughing is the repair's worst enemy! Quit whilst you're at it.
@@vincentsantoya4238 Hey man, personally i'd say to get it fixed as soon as you can, especially if it bothers you in your day-to-day life. My recovery is going well. It's been almost 6 months now and as of last week i've had some pains occuring again that had me worried but i got a Soft Tissue Ultrasound on the area and it was clean, just mild inflammation due to tissue regeneration and fat tissue shifting in my body. I keep progressing in the gym without any noticeable discomfort and i've even added movements back into my programme like Abdominal Exercises and Barbell Squats (light weight for now). You tell me though that you've had it for 6 years which makes me think, did you find a way to work around it? Is the pain level low so you don't worry about it much? You should definitely, if you haven't already, get it checked with an experienced general surgeon, even better if he specializes in Hernia Surgery and see what's what. Definitely get an Ultrasound of the area as well to be sure of the hernia's size and place and that you don't risk any type of bowel obstruction or at worst, an intestinal strangulation which is a medical emergency (don't worry about that much though, you'd feel it). In basic terms, gather as much information as possible before moving to surgery. Finally, weigh your options. How do you want/have to get it repaired? Through Open surgery, Laparoscopically or Robotically? Do you want/need a mesh or is it small enough that sutures can do the job just fine? (like in my case) There are other factors too that you should keep in mind but in general terms, getting it repaired will solve the main problem you face, which is the hernia itself. I hope you get it repaired and don't have to bother with videos or comment sections like these again. Stay strong man.
@@frugalfoot4973 i have a hernia at 18 mine started the next day after mothers day mothers day moarning just wated to ask is mesh better for me at my age or is their a way to get the surgury wthout t iand woudl that be better or not i woke up with one is what happened it went inside by itslelf but still the first to days i felt sick i feel better now but at work i get like almost dizzy im a dishwasher but we have a machine so its not bad me ad my fmily are going to talk to doctors soon
I'm me post inguinal hernia surgery open with mesh, and I took only 1 month off . Tha5 first month was killer, but I got buy and finally made it back to work with no pain ! My job is a warehouse job that does have heavy lifting . So for the first month back, I did take it easy ! After the 3rd month with no pain, I twisted and tugged on something and had some pretty bad pain where they cut me open . And also in the groin next to the higher part of my testicular area . It lasted for a month, and I was scared I did something or ripped something . So I saw my doctor who did my surgery, and she looked me over and determined that it's just a strain that it would get better over time ,and it did .A month after I saw her the pain gradually went away and I felt great for about 2 months ,then same thing twist and turn at the same job doing the same motion 6months later I have the same sharp pain ,hurts to bend over or squat or even walk ! I'm going in today for an ultrasound to get to the bottom of this bit . It's really putting a dampper on things that I can do !
Im only one month into my open inguinal hernia repair. I agree. Got the incision healing ridge which as you say, feels like pvc pipe and associated with not bad pain but rather somewhat a nagging pain. However, thats probably a small price to pay as long as the mesh repair was done thoroughly and correctly and less chance of reoccurrence. Ill take this discomfort anytime of day versus mesh discomfort in abdominal wall. Try a back brace or some binder to hold everything in place for activities.
Hi, great video and a useful insight. I had a a left inguinal mesh repair using open surgery 6 weeks ago. Everything was going great until i developed a cough whichhas broughton some fairyintense pain... im now sitting in a waiting room waiting for an ultrasound to see what's gone wrong. Hopefully they can sort it out 🤞 im a keen fell/ultra runner and really need to get back to that level of mobility! It would be great to hear how you're doing now and whether you've been able to reintroduce some intensity.
I have sufferred the same fate with you - first time bilaterial robotic inguinal hernia repair with mesh in June 2021. Similarily, in Fall of 2023, right side bulge re-appeared and had open repair in December 2023. CT scan with contrast was inconclusive. During that open repair, surgeon noted no hernia sac, observed inguinal floor weakness, placed mesh and sewed me back up. Really, annoying is that the bulge never disappeared during healing phase and now returned in month 10 back for ultrasound. The ultrasound results show the mesh, and still a small to medium inguinal fat hernia. Very frustrating situation. Surgeon is not sure how this occurred.
Thanks Dr Dave Ive been following you since your first surgery great video as always!! You look great btw. I had my surgery late October still have limitations and things im afraid to try cause I’ve paid for it in the past like lifting things too heavy. But I also have lower back issues and hip labrum tear. So maybe some of yhe pain may be coming from those issues. I was reading one of the other comments and it said your wife tells you to stay positive and that’s absolutely right. Pain can play with your mind even level 1 or 2 but having family support is awesome and helps tremendously. God bless!!
Have watched two of your other videos and I am not too excited about hernia surgery. Too many negatives out there with failures and recovery times. After having this Left Inguinal Hernia for this length of time I would rather ignore the problem rather than to have to deal with down time. I would not be a happy camper if this procedure interferes with my active lifestyle. And at 72 I don't need any more physical challenges after a lifetime of compromises to my body over the years.
Hi my name is Stuart. I'm using my wife's youtube channel. I live in Naples Florida. I went to the surgeon yesterday for a second opinion. The first surgeon I went to was a no-mash guy. Probably the best in Florida and the second guy for the second opinion was a robotic laparoscopic hernia inguinal surgery. One thing the surgeon told me, he said you'll never be the same. You'll never be as strong as you before you had the hernias. I have one on the right one on the left. He said you will never ever ever be 100% again. Don't even try. I said okay doc. He said maybe you'll get to 70%. I'm kind of sedentary anyway, but meanwhile the no mesh guy he uses dysarta method he says you be good but I know a friend of mine got the no mash and he said yeah. I definitely am not as strong as I were before the hernia problem. So Mr. Frugal foot. You'll never be as strong as you were when you were like 25 ever just doesn't work like that. Maybe I'm wrong. That's the wishes to you.😮
So, surgeon did not remove the first mesh? I had open surgery repair on my groin hernia (direct one) 2months ago, now I fell no nerve pain (it was pain). I asked if they could repair without mesh, the mesh can cause a lot of problems, they promote a lot of these prosthetics* ....is just more Siimple to them to use. I hope you will be fine!
Hi Dave.. After seven years of avoiding surgery, the right inguinal has become unmanageable. Was hoping to get a tension repair with Shouldice specialst but appears that may have to resort to mesh. My case is also bilateral though the left is not showing or bothersome, the questions which remain include: 1. Type of mesh, 2. Absorbable and 3. Open or laparoscopic. Many cases noted here and elsewhere report having open surgery, why is that? What criteria determines whether the proceedure is; open, laparoscpopic or robotic?
In March 2023 I had bilateral inguinal hernia TEP repair with tension-free Bard 3D Max placed on each side. The right side is very recently confirmed failed/recurrent and it was stated to me in advance of my original surgery that in event of failure/recurrence the second repair attempt would be by open surgery (my impression was that the surgeon's electing for open on the second attempt is exclusively due to the inability to go back in laparoscopically and remove that now scarred over piece of mesh). I think laparoscopic surgery is viewed as less invasive to the body and, as such, is most often the original method of choice. If you could find out which mesh your prospective surgeon uses you could ask him why he favours it. Also, merely typing the mesh type/brand into google will quickly lead you toward a lot of detail about it. I feel quite confident in my belief that hernia repair without mesh has a much higher chance of a recurrence. Perhaps the ideal would be open repair using mesh. I suspect that an open repair gives the surgeon much greater ability to view the inguinal canal, reduce the hernia, properly place and secure the mesh. All the best regarding your health.
Do you think maybe the fact that it was a recurrence / more complex open surgery had to do with your slight post op pain? Thanks doc and good luck from now on ❤
Me: ..bilateral laparoscopic TEP w/ 2x bard 3d max march 2023 ..Dec 2024 ultrasound shows hernia at edge of right-side mesh patch ..WILL SURGEON HAVE TO REMOVE THE OLD RIGHT-SIDE MESH ON NEXT SURGERY? thnx.
Touring cyclist, 70, cross training in the gym during the winter, and... just got referral for surgery consult Inguinal Hernia. On the learning curve. Thanks for video.
Dang. Thst is brutal. I do not want to double down on my repair. Glad you are on the mend now. I was not prepared for the aftermath of the procedure. It is a big deal and it took time to recover. Back to running again.
I’m two years out open bilateral inguinal with mesh. I still get twinges of pain sometimes but no big deal, if I do heavy lifting I get soreness. Didn’t want to go robotic as frankly don’t like the idea of it, and the chance of recurrence is higher with any laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery. Took me a good year to heal also I’m 60 years old.
I wish I was as calm and level headed as you
Interesting video. I had (open mesh plug & patch modified technique) surgery self funded nearly 10 months ago as elective surgery here in UK is pretty poor at moment (1+yr wait minimu) besides paying into the system for 36 years.
I had a 1cm indirect inguinal defect and a lipoma (which was removed) I'm 54kg 52 years old and at the time of hernia was running about 30+ miles a week.
After surgery it was painful for about a week or two I stated walking the next day and within a few weeks was up to about 5-7 miles a day. It was 6 weeks before I started running again which was gentle and short for a week or two and kept to no more than 3 miles at an easy pace for 6 months before any speed work or longer distance and even now not gone below a 6min mile pace other than the odd short interval session. I also find doing shorter runs more often instead of longer runs seems to help things too.
Sitting, bending and certain clothing has usually made things more uncomfortable for me. Only really started to loosen up at about 6-7 months and still get uncomfortable days now and then.
I'm sure things will continue to improve for you as you describe similar discomfort to my own and likewise I'd sooner put up with slight discomfort from scar tissue etc. than a hernia that could strangulate. I had an excellent and very experienced surgeon with over 3500 of these procedures to his name and very high success rate .
Best wishes
Best wishes to you! I could not imagine having to wait a year to have mine fixed.
I’m day ten out from open mesh at age 66. Virtually no pain at this point. Might feel the nerve pain in the morning on occasion or when putting shoes on etc. life long weightlifter, but my days of intense training on anything are over. I’m still plan to lift, but with lighter weight and more reps.
I took up a new hobby of playing a musical instrument.
You’re younger than I am, but with your reoccurrence, you might reconsider intense biking as a hobby.
My surgeon explained to me that even with a successful repair, scar tissue is only 85% as strong, and even less if repaired a second time.
Yes I agree. And I play bluegrass mandolin as well. I hope you heal up well and I hope you never have to do it again!
Sharing your experience on this journey has helped alot of people on what to expect TY
Thank you for your insightful information! I had an inguinal hernia repaired with mesh via robotic surgery in 2016 with very little pain during the recovery period. As a precautionary measure I avoided lifting anything much over 10 pounds for the first four months. The hernia came back at around five months post-surgery. I believe it was from lifting my kayak onto the top of my car. At first I noticed a small bulge but only on occasion and virtually no pain. I stopped kayaking and avoided any other heavy lifting.
I went to a surgeon who specializes in hernias for a consultation. He recommended “abdominal wall reconstruction surgery” and told me it would require stitches four or five inches long. I declined to go ahead with it because it was very small and didn’t bother me much. Over the years since, it has gradually grown and now hurts most of the time. I’m now considering that surgery again. I wish there was a less traumatic way of dealing with it. Anyone have any ideas?
What type of mesh was used? If you do get surgery would you do robotic again or open?
Hi, Dr. Dave. I watched all your videos about your hernia journey. I hope you are better now! Unfortunately, as you alluded to in your videos, there are complications. It is best to see a hernia specialist a) when choosing to have hernia surgery and b) when any questions or complications. Best of luck!
Agreed!
I personally didn't expect to get an inguinal hernia at 21 but well, that's life. Now at 22, i had my repair surgery (back in May 2024). Was told that it's pretty rare for a person my age to get the surgery so early after the injury, but going back to the gym was a priority to me
Weight lifting is one of my passions so letting it go for the past 3-4 months was a big deal to me, both physically and psychologically. A few tips i'd recommend to people going through the same thing is to keep their head up, time and patience are key and you'll be feeling better soon enough. Static pain for me was gone by the 2nd month post-op, afterwards i would get sudden blunt pain "waves" but nothing close to the pain level pre-surgery or anything. Those were the scariest though haha, i never knew if my repair had failed or if it was just a common feeling from the aftermath.
Weight-lifting wise, my surgeon recommended that i stay away from lower body movements such as Deadlifts, Leg Press and Squats for another month or so, same goes for abdominal training.
Now, at 4 months post-op i can say that all pains are completely gone, or at least the intervals between no pain at all and periodic uncomfortability or blunt aches have grown larger by a lot.
The thing with inguinal hernia surgery though, that i believe most of us fear, is the possibility of a recurrence. It's understandable but you can't fear something that hasn't even happened yet and may not happen at all. I know that it's a struggle, mentally, physically and financially but you can't let it affect you. Once again, you just need to keep your head up and keep moving forward. Slowly and methodically, you'll heal and soon you'll be back to your former habits. Pro tip: Avoid smoking all together, chronic coughing is the repair's worst enemy! Quit whilst you're at it.
Hey homie how is your recovery going ? I’m 29 I’ve been having an initial hernia for 6 years now .. I’ve been scared to get it fix
@@vincentsantoya4238 Hey man, personally i'd say to get it fixed as soon as you can, especially if it bothers you in your day-to-day life. My recovery is going well. It's been almost 6 months now and as of last week i've had some pains occuring again that had me worried but i got a Soft Tissue Ultrasound on the area and it was clean, just mild inflammation due to tissue regeneration and fat tissue shifting in my body. I keep progressing in the gym without any noticeable discomfort and i've even added movements back into my programme like Abdominal Exercises and Barbell Squats (light weight for now).
You tell me though that you've had it for 6 years which makes me think, did you find a way to work around it? Is the pain level low so you don't worry about it much? You should definitely, if you haven't already, get it checked with an experienced general surgeon, even better if he specializes in Hernia Surgery and see what's what. Definitely get an Ultrasound of the area as well to be sure of the hernia's size and place and that you don't risk any type of bowel obstruction or at worst, an intestinal strangulation which is a medical emergency (don't worry about that much though, you'd feel it). In basic terms, gather as much information as possible before moving to surgery.
Finally, weigh your options. How do you want/have to get it repaired? Through Open surgery, Laparoscopically or Robotically? Do you want/need a mesh or is it small enough that sutures can do the job just fine? (like in my case)
There are other factors too that you should keep in mind but in general terms, getting it repaired will solve the main problem you face, which is the hernia itself. I hope you get it repaired and don't have to bother with videos or comment sections like these again. Stay strong man.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am scheduled to have the surgery in 3 weeks.
All the best to you.
@@frugalfoot4973 i have a hernia at 18 mine started the next day after mothers day mothers day moarning just wated to ask is mesh better for me at my age or is their a way to get the surgury wthout t iand woudl that be better or not i woke up with one is what happened it went inside by itslelf but still the first to days i felt sick i feel better now but at work i get like almost dizzy im a dishwasher but we have a machine so its not bad me ad my fmily are going to talk to doctors soon
I'm me post inguinal hernia surgery open with mesh, and I took only 1 month off . Tha5 first month was killer, but I got buy and finally made it back to work with no pain ! My job is a warehouse job that does have heavy lifting . So for the first month back, I did take it easy ! After the 3rd month with no pain, I twisted and tugged on something and had some pretty bad pain where they cut me open . And also in the groin next to the higher part of my testicular area . It lasted for a month, and I was scared I did something or ripped something . So I saw my doctor who did my surgery, and she looked me over and determined that it's just a strain that it would get better over time ,and it did .A month after I saw her the pain gradually went away and I felt great for about 2 months ,then same thing twist and turn at the same job doing the same motion 6months later I have the same sharp pain ,hurts to bend over or squat or even walk ! I'm going in today for an ultrasound to get to the bottom of this bit . It's really putting a dampper on things that I can do !
Im only one month into my open inguinal hernia repair. I agree. Got the incision healing ridge which as you say, feels like pvc pipe and associated with not bad pain but rather somewhat a nagging pain. However, thats probably a small price to pay as long as the mesh repair was done thoroughly and correctly and less chance of reoccurrence. Ill take this discomfort anytime of day versus mesh discomfort in abdominal wall. Try a back brace or some binder to hold everything in place for activities.
Thank you for sharing Dr., and wishing you a full recovery
Hi, great video and a useful insight. I had a a left inguinal mesh repair using open surgery 6 weeks ago. Everything was going great until i developed a cough whichhas broughton some fairyintense pain... im now sitting in a waiting room waiting for an ultrasound to see what's gone wrong. Hopefully they can sort it out 🤞 im a keen fell/ultra runner and really need to get back to that level of mobility!
It would be great to hear how you're doing now and whether you've been able to reintroduce some intensity.
Yes. Hopefully I can find some time to do that video this weekend. I do hope you feel better soon.
I have sufferred the same fate with you - first time bilaterial robotic inguinal hernia repair with mesh in June 2021. Similarily, in Fall of 2023, right side bulge re-appeared and had open repair in December 2023. CT scan with contrast was inconclusive. During that open repair, surgeon noted no hernia sac, observed inguinal floor weakness, placed mesh and sewed me back up. Really, annoying is that the bulge never disappeared during healing phase and now returned in month 10 back for ultrasound. The ultrasound results show the mesh, and still a small to medium inguinal fat hernia. Very frustrating situation. Surgeon is not sure how this occurred.
Glad everything is going really well the second time around. I know you must be relieved as the months tick by. Thanks for the update!👍
My wife keeps encouraging me and tells me to stay positive. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks Dr Dave Ive been following you since your first surgery great video as always!! You look great btw. I had my surgery late October still have limitations and things im afraid to try cause I’ve paid for it in the past like lifting things too heavy. But I also have lower back issues and hip labrum tear. So maybe some of yhe pain may be coming from those issues. I was reading one of the other comments and it said your wife tells you to stay positive and that’s absolutely right. Pain can play with your mind even level 1 or 2 but having family support is awesome and helps tremendously. God bless!!
Trust in the Lord!
Thanks for your updates I found out yesterday I have to get both sides repaired booked in for June and pretty scared but needs to be done!
I wish you all the best! 👍
Have watched two of your other videos and I am not too excited about hernia surgery. Too many negatives out there with failures and recovery times. After having this Left Inguinal Hernia for this length of time I would rather ignore the problem rather than to have to deal with down time. I would not be a happy camper if this procedure interferes with my active lifestyle. And at 72 I don't need any more physical challenges after a lifetime of compromises to my body over the years.
I hear ya....
Hi my name is Stuart. I'm using my wife's youtube channel. I live in Naples Florida. I went to the surgeon yesterday for a second opinion. The first surgeon I went to was a no-mash guy. Probably the best in Florida and the second guy for the second opinion was a robotic laparoscopic hernia inguinal surgery. One thing the surgeon told me, he said you'll never be the same. You'll never be as strong as you before you had the hernias. I have one on the right one on the left. He said you will never ever ever be 100% again. Don't even try. I said okay doc. He said maybe you'll get to 70%. I'm kind of sedentary anyway, but meanwhile the no mesh guy he uses dysarta method he says you be good but I know a friend of mine got the no mash and he said yeah. I definitely am not as strong as I were before the hernia problem. So Mr. Frugal foot. You'll never be as strong as you were when you were like 25 ever just doesn't work like that. Maybe I'm wrong. That's the wishes to you.😮
Sorry, I'm using voice to text messes up sometimes I said best wishes to you Mr. Frugal foot guy.😅
Nobody can make you as strong as God made you. - Dr. Dave
So, surgeon did not remove the first mesh? I had open surgery repair on my groin hernia (direct one) 2months ago, now I fell no nerve pain (it was pain). I asked if they could repair without mesh, the mesh can cause a lot of problems, they promote a lot of these prosthetics* ....is just more Siimple to them to use. I hope you will be fine!
What about shouldice or bassini ?
Was it a Lichtenstein or a plug and patch repair?
Did I need a antibiotic
With my hernia mesh surgery 🙏
Hi Dave.. After seven years of avoiding surgery, the right inguinal has become unmanageable. Was hoping to get a tension repair with Shouldice specialst but appears that may have to resort to mesh. My case is also bilateral though the left is not showing or bothersome, the questions which remain include: 1. Type of mesh, 2. Absorbable and 3. Open or laparoscopic. Many cases noted here and elsewhere report having open surgery, why is that? What criteria determines whether the proceedure is; open, laparoscpopic or robotic?
In March 2023 I had bilateral inguinal hernia TEP repair with tension-free Bard 3D Max placed on each side.
The right side is very recently confirmed failed/recurrent and it was stated to me in advance of my original surgery that in event of failure/recurrence the second repair attempt would be by open surgery (my impression was that the surgeon's electing for open on the second attempt is exclusively due to the inability to go back in laparoscopically and remove that now scarred over piece of mesh).
I think laparoscopic surgery is viewed as less invasive to the body and, as such, is most often the original method of choice.
If you could find out which mesh your prospective surgeon uses you could ask him why he favours it. Also, merely typing the mesh type/brand into google will quickly lead you toward a lot of detail about it.
I feel quite confident in my belief that hernia repair without mesh has a much higher chance of a recurrence.
Perhaps the ideal would be open repair using mesh.
I suspect that an open repair gives the surgeon much greater ability to view the inguinal canal, reduce the hernia, properly place and secure the mesh.
All the best regarding your health.
Do you think maybe the fact that it was a recurrence / more complex open surgery had to do with your slight post op pain? Thanks doc and good luck from now on ❤
Most likely. He needed to reconstruct the entire inguinal canal with three pieces of mesh. Thanks for the well wishes.
Me:
..bilateral laparoscopic TEP w/ 2x bard 3d max march 2023
..Dec 2024 ultrasound shows hernia at edge of right-side mesh patch
..WILL SURGEON HAVE TO REMOVE THE OLD RIGHT-SIDE MESH ON NEXT SURGERY?
thnx.