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Hernia Revision Surgery: What Are the Biggest Risks for Patients?

hernia revision

Hernia repair surgery is one of the most if not the most common surgical procedures. But what many don’t know, is that hernia revision surgery is also extremely common. Meaning hernia surgeries that fail and require a surgery to repair the already operated-upon hernia. Of the roughly 200,000 repairs conducted in the United States each year, approximately 15%  will require revision surgery. And the surgery is not a simple one. In fact, hernia revision surgery is even riskier than the initial repair.

Related: Get Answers to Your Own Claim Questions

Hernia Revision Surgery Options

There are two approaches to hernia repairs, and surgeons use both methods equally. Prosthetic mesh is the first approach, often used to reinforce the repair. It acts as a sort of bridge, or patch across the tear in the muscle. Surgeons use laparoscopic or open techniques to insert the mesh. Non-mesh surgeries typically involve sutures using absorbable materials.

There is a continued debate about which approach is the most ideal for repairing hernias. A recent study found that patients who received hernia mesh had a lower rate of hernia recurrence over five years. However, with long-term follow-up, the benefits were offset in part, by mesh-related complications. This is likely due to faulty mesh materials, such as Ethicon’s Physiomesh.

With either approach, patients can either undergo laparoscopic or open surgery. During a laparoscopic repair, the surgeon makes multiple small incisions in the abdomen. They then guide surgical tools through the openings to repair the hernia. Laparoscopic surgeries have the option of using or not using hernia mesh and are less invasive than the open approach.

During an open repair, there is only one incision near the hernia area, rather than several small incisions. There is also an option of either using or not using hernia mesh during the repair.

A 2013 study analyzed recurrence rates in laparoscopic and open surgeries. It found that recurrence rates were higher in the laparoscopic group (18%) versus open (14%). And while the technique is effective, with similar outcomes, post-operative complications are much higher with laparoscopic surgery.

Post-operative complications can include bowel restrictions, surgical site infections, and intestinal strangulation. Hernia recurrence is possibly the most common complication. And since this requires a second, often more serious surgery, the risk of additional perioperative complications increases.

What Causes Hernia Recurrence?

Hernia recurrence can occur for many reasons — some of which patients can avoid. Possible causes of requiring revision surgery include:

Risk Factors for Recurrence and Hernia Revision Surgery

Certain risk factors can increase your chances of requiring hernia revision surgery. They can place additional strain on your muscles, worsening an existing hernia or reopening a suture. Hernia recurrence risk factors include:

*According to one study, obesity is the only significant risk factor for recurrence. 11% of obese patients experienced a hernia recurrence. Researchers recommend that obese patients receive mesh rather than suture repair.

The Risks of Hernia Revision Surgery

Hernia revision surgery can be even riskier than initial surgeries. Tissue damage and an open surgical site can cause additional complications. In fact, The British Hernia Center states that “the chances of success actually diminish with each successive attempt at repair.”

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports some of the complications of revision surgery. These include:

It is also possible for hernia mesh to migrate to other areas of the body. Mesh can also shrink, and then contract — affecting blood flow.

Complications Requiring Emergency Hernia Revision Surgery

Most complications can be surgically repaired at a convenient time. But certain conditions necessitate emergency hernia revision surgery. Emergency complications include:

What Injured Patients Can Do

Evidently, hernia repair surgery has links to serious risks and complications. While hernia recurrence occurs with both mesh and non-mesh, long-term complications are more likely with mesh. Mesh repairs can also require additional hernia revision procedures in the future.

If you or a loved one have required revision surgery after surgical mesh implantation, you’re not alone. Thousands have reported serious side effects to the FDA. You may be eligible for compensation to help offset the expense and pain and suffering associated with recurrence. To see in just minutes whether you may qualify for financial compensation, complete your free hernia claim evaluation today. Once you’ve submitted your information, an experienced advocate will call to schedule an in-person, confidential meeting to discuss compensation options.

Related: Need a Hernia Operation? Learn How to Reduce Your Complication Risks

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