A hernia, or herniation, is the protrusion of an organ or lining of an organ through a defect in a surface tissue or a wall. Abdominal hernias and inguinal, or groin, hernias are frequently repaired with the use of a synthetic mesh that acts as a patch to cover the defect in the wall. Overall this is considered to be a safe and effective procedure but can have certain complications.
Hernia Recurrence
Hernia recurrence is the most common complication of hernia surgery. A hernia can recur soon after surgery or several years after the repair,but is less common with the use of mesh. It is also less common with an open technique compared to a laparoscopic technique. In the open technique, the defect in the abdominal wall is approached from the front and a mesh is placed over the wall. In the laparoscopic technique, small surgical tools and a camera enter the abdomen from minor incisions and the defect is approached from behind.
Mesh Infection
Infection of the mesh or the site of the wound is another possible complication, but the risk is small, at less than 2 percent. It appears to be more common with complex hernia repairs and elderly patients. Symptoms include pain, swelling, fever and discharge around the site of incision. Treatment requires antibiotics and, possibly, removal of the mesh.
Pain
According a study in the Annals of Surgery by Bay-Nielsen et al., the reported incidence of ongoing pain after inguinal hernia repair varies from zero to 37 percent. This study of about 2,500 patients indicated that 29 percent reported some groin pain, and about 11 percent noted that the pain interfered with work or leisure activities such as sitting or walking. Risk factors for pain after the operation include reports of pain issues before the operation and surgical complications.
Organ Damage
Organ damage is extremely rare. Cutting off blood supply to the testicle, called testicular ischemia, problems with the female internal organs and injury to the intestine, kidney and bladder can occur, possibly requiring further repair.
