Why we remove mesh

As more mesh is implanted for hernia repairs, mesh-related complications may increase, with some requiring mesh removal. We describe our experience as to indications and perioperative factors that surround hernia mesh removal.

All patients who underwent hernia mesh removal from the abdomen (ventral, flank) and pelvis (inguinal, femoral, obturator, perineal) were captured from a single hernia center database.

Over 4.5 years, we removed 105 mesh. Most were in males (58%), average age 53 years, with average pain score 5/10. Males most commonly had mesh removed from the pelvis (65%), and females from the abdomen (63%, P = 0.009). Pain score was significantly higher prior to removal of hernia mesh from the pelvis (5.7 vs 4.5, P = 0.047). Type of mesh implanted and positioning of mesh showed no difference in pain (P > 0.05). Indications for hernia mesh removal significantly varied between the abdomen (infection, 43%) and the pelvis (pain, 91%, P < 0.0001). Mesh reaction became a more frequent indication for mesh removal in the pelvis, reaching 1/3 of patients by 2017. Most required general anesthesia (87%), with inpatient stay (53%, mode 1 day). Open technique decreased with time (82–17%), laparoscopic decreased (20–10%), and robotic increased (0–70%).

This is the largest and most comprehensive study detailing why we remove mesh. We provide awareness of indications and operative options to help guide physicians as they encounter patients who may require hernia mesh removal.