Is it safe to repair hernia with other surgery?
This question is a very controversial topic in general surgery and coming up with one right answer for all situations is impossible and incorrect. Therefore, let`s evaluate different scenarios and situations. One major rule is, that in the presence of infection whether in the area of the hernia or in the remote location, repairing of the hernia with permanent mesh is not advised. This would increase the risk of mesh infection which could create major postoperative complications, requiring explanation of the infected mesh. In the presence of infection or contamination, especially at the hernia site we have the options of whether to repair the hernia primarily with suturing the defect for the smaller hernias, or to use an absorbable mesh for the larger defects that has less chance of long term postoperative complications related to the infection. If the other combined surgery is a clean operation with low possibility of contamination, then repairing the hernia with permanent mesh is safe and reasonable. For example performing a breast surgery or abdominoplasty with hernia repair with mesh placement are considered safe. If the other combined surgery has moderate risk of contamination with bacteria, then repair of small hernia primarily without mesh is safe but placement of the mesh is controversial and requires judgment of the surgeon at the time of operation, for instance during elective removal of non-infected gallbladder, prostatectomy, and hysterectomy.
In case of Infection or severe contamination.
In the case of infection or severe contamination like removal of infected appendix, gallbladder or colon, using the permanent mesh is not acceptable. Therefore, the smaller hernia defect would be closed primarily and the larger hernia defect would be closed with absorbable mesh if that`s necessary. In some instances these surgeries could be done in different stages and separate sessions, especially if repairing of the hernia is not necessary during the original surgery. For example if the patient has inguinal hernia as well as infected gallbladder, the laparoscopic removal of gallbladder could be followed in 2-4 weeks after recovery with elective inguinal hernia repair with mesh.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Dr Iraniha Hernia Repair Specialist at (949) 646-8444
