The hernia mesh myth that causes the most harm is the most common myth. Hernia mesh pain is the worst common complication of hernia surgery.
Myths
- Mesh pain is rare. Not true. Hernia mesh pain occurs in 20% of patients . It is severe enough to interfere with activities in 6% of patients.
- Groin pain after hernia surgery is caused by nerve damage. No, nerve damage is not necessary to generate pain. Chronic inflammation by itself is enough to stimulate pain nerves.
- New mesh is much better than old mesh. Wrong. Light weight mesh causes a little less chronic pain. It has nothing to do with new and old. We have had light weight mesh for twenty five years.
- Biological mesh is better. It is not. The recurrence rate is a lot higher than artificial mesh. Biological mesh induces chronic inflammation and causes chronic pain.
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