Mesh is the most used repair method for the majority of hernias when prevention of recurrence is the main endpoint. The mesh may be associated with increased complications for the patient. A recent study was conducted to quantify the use of mesh for abdominal wall hernia surgery over the past few years in the NHS.

The NHS database was used to collect numbers of patients who were undergoing elective primary hernia surgery. Information was taken to identify the use of mesh or suture repair. Recurrent and emergency hernia surgery was excluded. Interestingly, the results showed that almost one hundred thousand hernia surgeries are performed each year by the NHS alone. For every four, three are repaired using mesh. The repairs using mesh vary, based on the type of hernia being treated. Ninety-five percent to inguinal repairs, fifty percent of umbilical repairs, and eighty-two percent of incisional hernia repairs were performed.

The mesh repair method on all hernia types seems to be more common than suture repair, though a percentage of abdominal wall hernias were not repaired using mesh. Patients using a private hernia surgeon near me can discuss their surgery requirements in detail, making an informed decision on the best surgical process to achieve the best long-term results.

Mesh tissue augmentation is the repair of abdominal wall hernias and is now standard practice in most countries, widely accepted for being superior when compared to primary suture repair. Mesh is an implant that comes with risks, including foreign body reactions, implant infections, and chronic pain.

Dr Arjuna Imbuldeniya, the Founder and Director at The West London Clinic, said “Globally the trend is to introduce national registries in all surgical disciples, comparing the outcomes to identify the best treatment for the patient. To date, there is no dedicated registry to cover hernia surgery in the United Kingdom, though we do collect data using the European-wide database, that is run by the European Hernia Society. The unfortunate reality is that not all surgeons contribute, often due to lack of time and limited follow-up, something that is very common for surgeons working within the NHS.”

NHS England collects statistics on hospitals including data of the technique used in hernia repairs. The West London Clinic provides private hernia surgeons for patients looking for high-quality treatment in the London area.

About Us:

The West London Clinic (TWLC) was launched in March 2023 and is the first consultant-owned, multidisciplinary polyclinic in the United Kingdom. This clinic comprises twelve leading consultant experts from various surgical and medical fields who work together to assist patients who have been suffering for years with incurable and undiagnosable problems. Working together they are able to provide correct diagnosis and treatments, helping patients improve their quality of life. The consultants at The West London Clinic are experts and specialists with decades of experience teaching in London NHS hospitals. They are supported by health professionals, including specialist nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists, psychotherapists and more. Full details can be found on their website at https://www.westlondonclinic.com.