Non-mesh hernia surgery methods

Below you will find a detailed explanation of the different operation methods that we offer. All described methods are carried out without the use of plastic meshes.

Desarda technique
Inguinal hernia repair without mesh

History

This relatively new hernia repair method is developed and first proposed in 2001 by the Indian Doctor M. Desarda. Similar to the Lichtenstein technique it is an open operation, however instead of using a mesh this method covers the hernia by pushing back the hernia sac and suturing an undetached strip of the external oblique aponeurosis over the weakened spot.

 
Succes rate

98% of hernia surgeries without mesh are performed successfully. Less than 2% of patients develop a form of chronic pain, often this chronic pain can be attributed to previous aches or lifestyle. The recurrence rate for larger hernia’s after 5 years is around 2 to 3%; With small hernia’s the recurrence rate with non-mesh surgeries is 0.5 to 1%.

The size and location of the hernia and individual risk factors (smoking, genetics and age (>50)) play a key role in recurrences.

Recovery

After a Desarda repair you need rest to recover well. After one week you can resume light work (i.e. an office job), you are however not allowed to lift more than 10kg. After 4 to 6 weeks you are completely recovered and you can resume all activities without constraint.

Recurrences

The chance of recurrence is equal among all methods (regardless of non-mesh or mesh method). In case of a small hernia, the chance of recurrence after a non-mesh operation is 0.5 to 1%. In the case of a large hernia, the chance of a recurrence after 5 years is about 2 to 3%.

The size and location of the hernia and the individual risk factors (smoking, genetics and age (> 50)) play a key role in recurrences.

Watch a clip of how the operation is performed

*Warning! Viewer discretion is advised*

Shouldice technique
Inguinal hernia repair without mesh

History

The Shouldice method was developed by the Canadian surgeon Edward Earle Shouldice during the 2nd World War. During this time many young men were unable to register for the army because of their hernia. Thanks to Shouldice’s method, the young men were quickly able to get fit for the war. After the war he founded The Shouldice Hospital in a suburb of Toronto, Canada which still exists till this day, run by his children.

 
Succes rate

As with the Desarda repair, the Shouldice repair is an open operation. 98% of Shouldice hernia surgeries without mesh are performed successfully. Less than 2% of patients develop a form of chronic pain, often this chronic pain can be attributed to previous aches or lifestyle. The recurrence rate for larger hernia’s after 5 years is around 2 to 3%; With small hernia’s the recurrence rate with non-mesh surgeries is 0.5 to 1%.

The size and location of the hernia and individual risk factors (smoking, genetics and age (>50)) play a key role in recurrences.

Recovery

After a Shouldice repair you need rest to recover well. After one week you can resume light work (i.e. an office job), you are however not allowed to lift more than 10kg. After 4 to 6 weeks you are completely recovered and you can resume all activities without constraint.

Recurrences

The chance of recurrence is equal among all methods (regardless of non-mesh or mesh method). In case of a small hernia, the chance of recurrence after a non-mesh operation is 0.5 to 1%. In the case of a large hernia, the chance of a recurrence after 5 years is about 2 to 3%.

The size and location of the hernia and the individual risk factors (smoking, genetics and age (> 50)) play a key role in recurrences.

Watch a clip of how the operation is performed

*Warning! Viewer discretion is advised*

Muschaweck technique
For sportshernia & chronic groin pain

History

In 2003, Dr. Muschaweck and Dr. Berger developed an innovated open suture repair (Minimal Repair technique) to fit the needs of professional athletes. Since then countless of the world’s most famous athletes have undergone surgery of their hernia’s by Dr. Muschaweck.

 
Succes rate

98% of hernia surgeries without mesh are performed successfully. Less than 2% of patients develop a form of chronic pain, often this chronic pain can be attributed to previous aches or lifestyle. The recurrence rate for larger hernia’s after 5 years is around 2 to 3%; With small hernia’s the recurrence rate with non-mesh surgeries is 0.5 to 1%.

The size and location of the hernia and individual risk factors (smoking, genetics and age (>50)) play a key role in recurrences.

Recovery

Weight lifting – Immediately
Running – 2 days after surgery
Cycling – 3 to 4 days after surgery
Sprinting – 4 to 6 days after surgery
Ball sports – 6 to 8 days after surgery
Exercising without limitation – 10 to 14 days after surgery

These recovery indications are based on the very active and healthy lifestyle of athletes. Please keep in mind that it could take regular patients at least twice the time as stated above.

Recurrences

The chance of recurrence is equal among all methods (regardless of non-mesh or mesh method). In case of a small hernia, the chance of recurrence after a non-mesh operation is 0.5 to 1%. In the case of a large hernia, the chance of a recurrence after 5 years is about 2 to 3%.

The size and location of the hernia and the individual risk factors (smoking, genetics and age (> 50)) play a key role in recurrences.

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