Removal of hernia mesh causes resolution of ASIA in 70% of patients. 70% of the patients who have come to Dr. Petersen for hernia mesh removal meet diagnostic criterion for ASIA syndrome.
Anecdotal evidence in the medical literature supports the idea that hernia mesh causes ASIA, but randomized controlled studies (RTCs) do not. The problems with these RTCs are that patient selection has not focused on high risk patients, burying the sensitivity of the results and it is not clear that patients were specifically asked the right questions. There is enough evidence, however, to raise suspicion and concern. Doctors should be asking questions relating to diagnostic criterion for ASIA.