Can a Ventral Hernia Be Fixed Without Mesh?

“Can you fix my hernia without mesh?” I hear this question a lot. The honest answer is: sometimes, yes. Let me explain when.

First, what is a ventral hernia? It is a weak spot or opening in the front wall of your belly. That includes belly button (umbilical) hernias, hernias in the upper middle belly (epigastric), and incisional hernias that pop up at an old surgical scar.

What does “mesh-free” mean? We close the opening with your own tissue and strong stitches. No implant stays in your body. For some patients we add extra steps to make that tissue easier to pull together safely.

When is mesh-free a good option? Small hernias are the best candidates. A small belly button hernia can often be repaired with sutures alone. Mesh-free can also make sense if you have had a problem with mesh before, or if you simply prefer not to have it and your hernia is the right type for it. Some carefully chosen larger hernias in healthy patients can be done this way too, but that is a conversation to have in the office.

What is the catch? Here is the part you should hear plainly. In larger ventral hernias, repairs without mesh tend to come back more often than repairs with mesh. That is why mesh is the usual choice for medium and large hernias. A mesh-free repair should be a choice we make together on purpose, not a default.

What can you do to help? If you smoke, stop. It is one of the biggest things you can do to protect your repair. Work on a healthy weight and keep blood sugar in check if you have diabetes. After surgery, follow the lifting rules even when you feel great. (Yes, even for the groceries.)

What if my hernia is big or has come back? Then mesh, or a more complex reconstruction, may be the safest answer, and that is something our team does regularly, including robotic abdominal wall reconstruction. If you already have mesh that is causing trouble, we can help with that too through our Mesh Removal Program.

Every belly is different, so every plan should be too. Come see us. Consult with one of our Hernia Experts and we will tell you honestly what will work best for you. NYC: (212) 305-5947. NJ: (212) 305-2038.

This article is for education only and is not medical advice.