Question:
Everyone keeps writing about a hernia repair with mesh, What is a mesh?

   — Mary L. (posted on May 15, 2004)

May 15, 2004
Mesh is something that is used by surgeons that helps secure the hernia repair. Imagine a piece of screening that is attached to the abdominal wall (inside) during surgery. It eventually adhears to the tissues and forms an area that us structurally stronger than without the mesh. Make sense? Good :-) Diane RN WeightlossSurgery.ws
   — DianeN

May 16, 2004
Not all hernias are repaired with mesh - but mesh has been found to have a lower recurrance rate (yes, hernias can RETURN!). There are different ways that it is put it -- it can be done laparoscopically. Or, it can be done open. The mesh can be placed in between the muscle layers (Rives-SToppa method - the one I eventually chose) or on top of the muscle (an older technique that has a higher rate of recurrance). Some doctors will just sew the hernia but this has the highest possible rate of recurrance. MEsh can be made from different materials and the surgeons use what they prefer -- there's a kind of gortex (that is harder), or a more porous (kind of looks like webbing). There are other new types that a surgeon may employ. Isn't the internet fun? LOL All the best,
   — Teresa N.