Biological mesh

Hi Hopegood,

No biological mesh is not always used in hiatus hernia repairs, in fact my surgeon refuses to use it as he has seen so many complications from it. I do believe that mesh is used in very large hernias, and in the UK Bovine mesh is used as the tissue is supposed to grow over it.
I would have thought bovine mesh would be the way to go for mine, but my surgeon is adamant they cause trouble - in saying that I have a friend who had heart surgery 16 years ago and they used bovine mesh for that and he has been perfect! So I guess it's down to your surgeon's preference.

I have a couple of pig mesh repairs, but my hiatus hernia was repaired with my own tissue. I asked my surgeon about it and he said he never uses mesh in hiatus hernia repair any more. In this location there is to much chance or erosion into other tissues. I suspect it may have something to do with the constant motion of the diaphragm.

It works very well. My hernia repair has lasted from my 1st nissen in '06.

It's been through 2 more nissens, a torn esophagus and tore apart wrap, severe dry heaves multiple times.

Take care,
Bill

Hi hopegood,

My hernia was repaired with stitches...my surgeon said that he considered adding mesh, but because "that can cause its own problems" he added a few more stitches, instead.  I had very fragile internal tissue due to steroid usage (I had bad lungs prior to my surgery), and because of that, he took the precaution of adding more stitches for strength. 

I coughed severely and nonstop during my recovery, and my stitches held, even with the steroid-effected tissue.  I believe that mesh can rub on the esophagus and cause erosions.  I'm no expert/doctor, so don't go by my information.  I'm going by my own experience and discussing the issue with my surgeon.

I have had cadaver/biologic mesh used, though, during foot surgery, and had no problems with it.

Good luck with your search for answers!

Take care,

Denise