among surgeons to see
how this will fill that void
with patients who aren't
great candidates for per-
manent synthetic mesh,
either because of their
comorbidities or other
characteristics that put
them at high risk for infec-
tion, or for patients who
desire not to have perma-
nent mesh implanted."
Dr. Towfigh has increas-
ingly turned to hybrid
mesh. "In my opinion, syn-
thetic mesh seems to have
evolved into a lower-quality
product than it used to be," she says. "What used to be a higher-quality
resin to make mesh may have been switched off to lower-quality
resin, so now we're seeing much more inflammation, chronic pain and
mesh reaction in patients that undergo synthetic mesh repairs than
we used to."
Although rare, patients who do experience mesh reactions suffer
from chronic fatigue, joint pain, swelling, hair loss, ringing of the ear,
visual changes, brain fog, memory problems and rashes on different
parts of their body. "I see the same thing over and over again," says Dr.
Towfigh. "They get better after the mesh is removed."
The risks associated with synthetic meshes has led her to use hybrid
mesh more frequently. "Hybrid meshes work really well in my prac-
tice," she says, "and I think over time you'll see more and more usage
9 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9
• COMBO PACK The synthetic and biologic materials found in hybrid mesh
absorb into the body over time and eliminate some of the risks associated
with synthetic meshes.
Beverly
Hills
(Calif.)
Hernia
Center
