How Hernia Repair with Surgical Mesh Works
Surgical Techniques
Before & After Surgery
How Much Do Hernia Surgeries Cost?
Complications Can Result in Revision Surgery
By Terry Turner
Edited By Sophia Clifton
Medically Reviewed by Dr. John A. Daller
This page features 19 Cited Research Articles
Medically Reviewed
Board-certified physicians medically review Drugwatch content to ensure its accuracy and quality.
Drugwatch partners with Physicians' Review Network Inc. to enlist specialists. PRN is a nationally recognized leader in providing independent medical reviews.
Reviewer specialties include internal medicine, gastroenterology, oncology, orthopedic surgery and psychiatry.
Hernia Mesh Overview
Polypropylene Mesh
C-QUR Mesh
Kugel Patch
Physiomesh
Lawsuit Information Patients filed hernia mesh lawsuits after experiencing serious complications. Learn More
Home Hernia Mesh Surgery
Hernia Mesh Surgery
Surgeons perform hernia mesh surgery by using surgical mesh made from plastic or biologic materials to hold in protruding tissue or organs. The chance of the hernia coming back is less likely if doctors use hernia mesh. Complications include pain, infection and hernia recurrence.
Surgery is the only way to permanently correct a hernia. Hernia repair surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the United States, and the majority of these repairs use mesh.
For example, doctors perform more than a million hernia surgeries every year in the United States. About 800,000 of these surgeries are inguinal hernias — hernias in the groin. Surgeons perform about 90 percent of all inguinal hernia repairs with mesh.
Hernia surgery can be done with or without mesh. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found that surgical mesh may improve a patient's outcome. It can decrease both the time in surgery and the time it takes to recover.
But other factors can play a role, too. These include the type of mesh used, the patient's condition and the surgical approach. Some types of mesh have been recalled for higher failure rates that have led to serious complications and the need for more surgery.
The average cost of hernia surgery in the United States is about $7,750, according to New Choice Health. This rate may be more or less depending on the type of surgery, where you get surgery and your insurance plan.
Surgical mesh acts as a flexible scaffold in hernia repair. It can reinforce muscle walls and prevent organs from coming through. This can prevent the condition from worsening. General surgeons or urologists typically perform hernia surgeries.
Surgeons place the mesh over the open hernia. They use sutures, tacks or surgical glue to hold the mesh in place. Over time, the patient's tissue should grow into the small pores in the mesh and strengthen the muscle wall. This creates scar tissue that strengthens the hernia site.
Most mesh repairs are permanent, meaning the implant remains in the body for the rest of the patient's life.
The time it takes to repair a hernia varies from 30 minutes to two hours. The type of surgery and technique the surgeon uses makes a difference. Some techniques require local anesthesia and others require general anesthesia.
Dr. Robert Bendavid | 1:01
Why do so many surgeons rely on mesh for hernia repair?
People filing hernia mesh lawsuits claim they suffered pain and recurring hernias. View Lawsuits
Dr. Robert Bendavid explains the reasons surgeons are using mesh to repair hernias.
There are two types of surgery to implant hernia mesh: laparoscopic repair and open repair.
Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery
Laparoscopic
This is minimally invasive surgery. It is always done under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes several small incisions. He then inserts surgical tools through the openings to implant and secure the mesh.
This procedure allows for a shorter healing time and less blood loss. But it is more challenging to perform and costs more.
Surgeons also use laparoscopic repair to fix hernia recurrences, as it avoids old scar tissue. Recovery time is one to two weeks. Strenuous exercise is generally allowed after about four weeks.
Illustration showing open hernia mesh repair
Open Repair
Surgeons use this procedure with or without surgical mesh. Most open hernia repairs use general anesthesia. But surgeons may instead use spinal or local anesthesia accompanied by sedation. The surgeon makes an incision near the hernia to repair the weak muscle area.
This type of surgery cuts through more muscle and may have more blood loss. Recovery time is about three weeks. Strenuous exercise is generally allowed after six weeks.
There are three main techniques to repair hernias with mesh. Surgeons may choose one over another because of the patient's particular condition. Or they may choose a technique they are more familiar with.
Most surgeons use the TAPP or TEP techniques. The IPOM technique can sometimes cause adhesions and perforations.
Surgical Techniques:
TAPP (TRANSABDOMINAL PREPERITONEAL)
Surgeons enter the peritoneum, the thin membrane covering the abdominal organs. They place the mesh through a small incision.
TEP (TOTALLY EXTRAPERITONEAL)
Surgeons avoid the peritoneal cavity. Surgeons consider TEP more difficult to perform than TAPP. But it may result in fewer complications.
IPOM (INTRAPERITONEAL ONLAY MESH TECHNIQUE)
Surgeons enter the peritoneal cavity. They place mesh on the inside of the peritoneum. The mesh comes in direct contact with intestines and other organs. This technique is faster and easier to perform than TAPP or TEP. It grew in popularity in the 90s.
Lawsuit Information
Patients experiencing serious complications after hernia mesh surgery are filing lawsuits. Learn more about pending cases.
View Lawsuits
What to Expect Before and After Hernia Surgery
Hernia patients should arrange for someone to take them to and from the hospital on the day of the surgery. They will also need someone to stay with them for at least a few days after the surgery.
Doctors may tell patients to stop using aspirin or blood thinners a week before surgery. These medicines can slow clotting and cause excess bleeding during surgery. Using the medicines may slow the healing process.
Hernia mesh surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning that patients do not have to stay overnight in the hospital. Patients may experience pain as they heal after surgery and should expect recovery to take several days or longer.
Recovering from hernia mesh surgery can take several days to several weeks. It depends on the procedure and the patient's condition. Patients should tell their doctor as soon as possible about any problems they notice.
The cost of a hernia repair in the United States ranges from $3,900 to $12,500 and up, on average. The national average cost is $7,750, according to New Choice Health. The biggest factors in cost are where you get the surgery, what your health insurance covers and whether you have an open or laparoscopic surgery.
Where You Get Your Surgery
Cost greatly varies depending on what part of the country you have your surgery in and whether you have it in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. For example, people in Atlanta, Georgia, may pay between $4,700 and $11,100 but people in Phoenix, Arizona, may pay between $5,500 and $12,900.
In general, surgeries performed in hospitals and other inpatient facilities have a bigger price tag. Hospitals may not disclose all their fees up front. Outpatient surgery centers have lower fees, and this leads to fewer costs out of pocket for the patient.
"Most of the time, the hospital charges alone can be five times more expensive than the total cost you can be charged in a surgery clinic," according to Dr. Clay Albrecht, a robotic surgeon.
What Your Insurance Covers
Different insurance plans will have different benefits. The rate your insurance company negotiates with the care provider, whether you are in-network or out-of-network and what type of deductibles you have on your policy will influence your out of pocket costs.
For example, Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of the cost of outpatient hernia surgery. You would pay 20 percent plus your deductible. The 2020 deductible is $198.
If you require a hospital stay, Medicare Part A would cover the hospital care and you would pay your Part A deductible. The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible is $1,408 for 2020.
Open Versus Laparoscopic
Open surgeries generally cost less than laparoscopic surgeries because they may be performed without general anesthesia and use less medical supplies. Extra supplies may add hundreds or thousands more to the cost.
Serious Complications Can Result in Hernia Mesh Revision Surgery
Hernia repair with surgical mesh can lead to complications. Surgery is the only way to correct some of the most serious hernia mesh complications.
A surgeon may have to remove healthy tissue to repair damage. Surgeons may also have to remove part of the intestines if tissue adheres to the mesh.
Hernia Mesh Complications Reported to the FDA Include:
Serious infections around the mesh
Severe reactions to mesh
Mesh adhering to internal organs
Hernia recurrence
How Do You Know If Your Mesh Failed?
Sometimes hernia mesh might not perform as well as it should. Some types of mesh are prone to early failure. When mesh fails, it causes symptoms.
Symptoms of mesh failure include high fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, pain, bruising, swelling and difficulty passing gas or stool and difficulty urinating. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor and tell them you have had hernia mesh surgery.
Some people have filed hernia mesh lawsuits after they claimed failed mesh caused complications.
Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.
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Written By Terry Turner Writer
Terry Turner has been writing articles and producing news broadcasts for more than 25 years. He covers FDA policy, proton pump inhibitors, and medical devices such as hernia mesh, IVC filters, and hip and knee implants. An Emmy-winning journalist, he has reported on health and medical policy issues before Congress, the FDA and other federal agencies. Some of his qualifications include:
American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and The Alliance of Professional Health Advocates member
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Literacy certificates
Original works published or cited in Washington Examiner, MedPage Today and The New York Times
Appeared as an expert panelist on hernia mesh lawsuits on the BBC
Sophia Clifton Editor
Dr. John A. Daller American Board of Surgery
19 Cited Research Articles
Brown, C.N. & Finch, J.G. (2010, May). Which Mesh for Hernia Repair? Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3025220/
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2019, November 8). 2020 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2020-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles
Costhelper Health. (n.d.). Hernia Repair Cost. Retrieved from https://health.costhelper.com/hernia-repair.html
Dr. Clay Albrecht, Robotic Surgeon. (n.d.). Hernia Surgery Cost. Retrieved from https://www.drclayalbrecht.com/procedures/hernia-surgery/cost/
Gore Medical. (n.d.). Hernia. Retrieved from https://www.goremedical.com/conditions/hernia
Kokotovic, D., Bisgaard, T. & Helgstrand, F. (2016, October 18). Long-term Recurrence and Complications Associated with Elective Incisional Hernia Repair. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2565771
Michigan Surgery. (n.d.). A Brief History of Hernia Surgery. Retrieved from https://michigansurgery.com/general-surgery/hernia-surgery/a-brief-history-of-hernia-surgery/
NHS. (2018, June 14). How it's performed-Inguinal hernia repair. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/inguinal-hernia-repair/what-happens/
Palermo, M. et al. (2015). Hernioplasty With and Without Mesh: Analysis of the Immediate Complications in a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Retrieved from http://www.scielo.br/pdf/abcd/v28n3/0102-6720-abcd-28-03-00157.pdf
Science Daily. (2016, October 18). Study Finds Mixed Results for Use of Mesh for Hernia Repair. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161018094928.htm
Stony Brook University Hospital. (n.d.). FAQs about the Shouldice Hernia Repair. Retrieved from https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/patientcare/surgery/patient-care/clinical/general-surgery/patient-education/faqs-about-the-shouldice-hernia-repair
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2011, July 5). MAUDE Adverse Event Report: Atrium Medical Corporation Atrium C-QUR 4" x 6" Hernia Mesh. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMAUDE/detail.cfm?mdrfoi__id=2650980
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2012, March 28). MAUDE Adverse Event Report: Atrium Medical Corp. C-QUR Mesh. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMAUDE/detail.cfm?mdrfoi__id=2519804
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2014, February 28). MAUDE Adverse Event Report: Atrium Medical Corporation C-QUR Tachshield Mesh. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfmaude/detail.cfm?mdrfoi__id=3687873
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2014, June 29). MAUDE Adverse Event Report: Atrium Medical Corp, Atrium C-QUR Mesh, Hernia Mesh 8.9cm x 8.9 cm 3 ½in X 3 ½ in. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMAUDE/detail.cfm?mdrfoi__id=2639496
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018, February 4). Hernia Surgical Mesh Implants. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/hernia-surgical-mesh-implants
University of Michigan. (2017, December 5). Inguinal Hernia: Should I Have Surgery Now, or Should I Wait? Retrieved from https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/za1162
Vanvuren, C. (n.d.). How much does hernia repair surgery cost? Retrieved from https://www.newchoicehealth.com/hernia-repair-surgery/cost
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