Prolene mesh and diving

[blacknet]

Hello,

First let me say this is not a loaded question, not a hypothetical question and the like.

Some background bilateral inguinal hernia surgery using larpo method and prolene mesh and that mesh happened to rip loose and migrate (this is the most non-slanderous way I can put it.). Another surgeon had to re-operate to: tack down the mesh, remove all the adhesions (small intestines were stuck to the abdominal wall) and fix the original 2 hernias plus an umbilical hernia, surgery lasted 3 hours

My concern is off gassing and blood flow. Wouldn't it be safe to say the risk for dcs increases because of the mesh migrating?

Ed

 

[BigJetDriver]

Jeezy Petes, pardner!

All of that sounds extremely painful! While I am a DMT, I will have to let one of the full-fledged surgeons comment on this one!

Doc?

P.S.---Great photo by the way!

 

[blacknet]

Hello,

Painful? That's mild considering what it was like. Lets just say I was watching lord of the rings and it felt like something was ripping muscles out of my groin, had this burning, ripping, twisting, warm flush sensation going on. This happened everytime I would roll over on my side at night.

Ed

 

[Grajan]

I had the same op but I guess I struck lucky with the surgeon.

He did say there was no garantee it would not need to be redone but I've been fine. for about a year I got the odd twinge under load when a corner pulled free, or something, but it quickly settled down again and I've had no issues for a couple of years including doing fairly serious (for me) weight training.

I've certainly never considered it a diving issue. I've got much more messed-up bits than that.....

Be interesting to see if the doc comments.

 

[blacknet]

Hello,

In theory there should be no problems diving with mesh, however I have a unique situation here.

Ed

 

[BillP]

blacknet asked...

My concern is off gassing and blood flow. Wouldn't it be safe to say the risk for dcs increases because of the mesh migrating?

Ed

Howdy Ed:

No, I wouldn't say that. Yeah, there is a theorectical increased risk of DCS in an area of scarring (covered several times before in both this and the Dr. Deco forum), and repeated surgeries might increase the amount of scarring, but personally I do not believe that this theoretical concern is a practical risk. I'm not aware of any documented increased incidence of DCS in divers with previous hernia surgery (-ies).

HTH,

Bill

The above information is intended for discussion purposes only and is not meant to be specific medical advice for any individual.

 

[blacknet]

Hello,

I was thinking more along the lines of since the mesh moved it hindering blood flow to the region. I know it's hindered nerves.

Ed

 

[BillP]

blacknet once bubbled...
Hello,

I was thinking more along the lines of since the mesh moved it hindering blood flow to the region. I know it's hindered nerves.

Ed

Howdy Ed:

I would have a hard time even imagining that scenario as a real problem. You'd be surpised how soft the mesh is and how resilient vessels are (as opposed to nerves). Any vessels that might be compressed by migration of the mesh would be no bigger than those intentionally cut during surgery (and I would doubt that any are compressed). Personally, I wouldn't give worries about increased risk of DCS as a result of the surgery another thought if it were me.

HTH,

Bill

 

[Saturation]

blacknet once bubbled...
Hello,

First let me say this is not a loaded question, not a hypothetical question and the like.

Some background bilateral inguinal hernia surgery using larpo method and prolene mesh and that mesh happened to rip loose and migrate (this is the most non-slanderous way I can put it.). Another surgeon had to re-operate to: tack down the mesh, remove all the adhesions (small intestines were stuck to the abdominal wall) and fix the original 2 hernias plus an umbilical hernia, surgery lasted 3 hours

My concern is off gassing and blood flow. Wouldn't it be safe to say the risk for dcs increases because of the mesh migrating?

Ed

Hi Ed:

Diving within recreational limits should not pose any issues. The prolene was made as a supportive mesh for the repair. The adhesions may remotely be a source of reduced circulation during offgassing, but unlikely a concern in diving without decompression stops.

 

[blacknet]

Hello,

I do one day plan on doing decompression dives, hopefully.

Ed