Abdominal wall injury - how can this be fixed?

Question

I had mesh put in 10yrs ago. Mesh was placed above umbilicus even tho it was inside belly button. Surgeon totally left me in chronic pain and disabled. I then developed a bulge under the umbilicus to the right and got another mesh put in by another surgeon 3yrs later. Then Had both mesh removed 2021 due to chronic pain is very intense and I haven't been able to work. I am a male 41. How can this be fixed? I am told I now have diastasis. I have a deep hollow depression that sends pain to my back.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you have been having.  More information is needed in order to give a recommendation.  You will likely need further testing like an MRI, to see what is occurring beneath the surface.  If indicated you can consider surgery to correct the diastasis but this may not relieve the pain you are experiencing.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Without proper examination and imaging (CT, MRI), it is impossible to give you good advice. In general, problems like yours are not that rare once mash is used in abdominal wall reconstruction. Depending on the clinical findings, you may be a candidate for complex abdominal wall reconstruction which involves placement of intra-abdominal or deep extra-abdominal mash graft, followed with flap reconstruction of abdominal wall, known as component separation. This complex procedure requires cooperation of general and plastic surgeon. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Amin34,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Did removing the mesh relieve you of your previous pain?

Having mesh put in should not create chronic pain so I don’t think that was the ideology and I’m guessing you still have pain which you mention in your post though you didn’t describe if it was improved.

In your case obesity needs to be dealt with first. There’s no purpose Inssurgically addressing your muscle wall if you are at the same time stretching it out with excess visceral fat from being overweight.

If you can lose a substantial amount of weight so there isn’t pressure on your abdominal wall from your excess visceral fat than different procedures can be entertained. Considering your history I would not recommend any operation unless you absolutely need it.

Your story does not make sense in that having mesh placed should not create some type of pain syndrome.

I would focus on finding your source of pain which may be referred pain and is more likely to come from your back and spine in the front of your abdomen.

You’re certainly welcome to consult with plastic surgeons but in my opinion without weight loss first you are not a good candidate for any abdominal procedure.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!I assume you had placement of mesh initially to treat a large abdominal hernia. It often is utilized to reinforce a hernia repair if the abdominal wall fascia is compromised. There was apparently recurrence or extension of the hernia necessitating a second procedure. This also apparently failed and the mesh was removed. You are currently experiencing incapacitating pain of the back. A diastasis does not cause pain. It is usually asymptomatic but may present as an abdominal bulge. Back pain usually does not originate from an umbilical hernia. The foreign material (mesh) has been removed. Is there abdominal pain as well?There is not enough information conveyed to pinpoint causation and treatment. I recommend a consultation with a general surgeon for evaluation, examination, and treatment.Best wishes...

Abdominal wall injury - how can this be fixed?

Answers (5)

Answer: Chronic pain

Answer: Chronic pain

Answer: Chronic pain after multiple mesh hernia repair failures

Answer: Chronic pain after multiple mesh hernia repair failures

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Abdominal wall injury - how can this be fixed?

Answers (5)

Answer: Chronic pain

Answer: Chronic pain

Answer: Chronic pain after multiple mesh hernia repair failures

Answer: Chronic pain after multiple mesh hernia repair failures

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.