This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Patients left ‘in chronic pain’ after using NHS hernia mesh
Mesh used by the NHS in England to repair hernias has left many patients in chronic pain, surgeons have told the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme.
More than 800 women are taking legal action against the NHS over the use of vaginal mesh implants because of the pain it has caused.
The NHS has said that mesh implants had been successfully used to treat hernias for decades. The mesh is the NHS’s ‘recommended method’ for treating the condition. It is used on tens of thousands of patients each year.
One in 10 people will develop a hernia, and some surgeons are concerned about the ‘thousands of hernia mesh patients who are living with chronic pain’.
Former general surgeon, Peter Jones, said: “Severe pain is a common problem and patients aren't being warned about it. At least half of patients who have a mesh repair will have a smooth recovery, but in my opinion the risks of a poor outcome are so bad, I wouldn't want to take that risk.
"I think litigation will come into this. If enough people got together and said, 'We are suffering and we weren't warned about it', that could put a dent into the mesh repair for hernias.”
A mesh-free alternative for patients with groin hernias is available, and some surgeons have called for the NHS to teach its staff about it so patients can have a choice.
Latest News
16/02/2024 - 12:56
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has created a new alliance intended to clean dirty air and improve residents' health.
16/02/2024 - 10:44
Two million more GP appointments a month are being delivered for patients compared to the same month before the pandemic as part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan according to new NHS data.
15/02/2024 - 10:26
The Welsh Government has provided innovation funding of £380,000 to support two projects utilising technology in domiciliary care.
15/02/2024 - 10:13
The new Scottish health secretary has met with frontline staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
14/02/2024 - 10:27
The North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) has appointed three new Executive Directors to the Trust Board.
Product Features
UK Building Regulations highlight toxic gas and smoke from layers of paint built up over multiple redecorations as a major cause of permanent ill health or death in a building fire.
Their concern rose with discovery the flame retardant paints most widely used paint along escape routes have been ones which to this day counter-productively use emission of heavy toxic gas to smother flames which rapidly spread along walls if layers of paint delaminate in a fire.
Supplier Profiles
Northwich’s Victoria Infirmary (VIN) Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has enabled more patients
Adveco, the commercial hot water specialist, announces the launch of live metering of domestic ho
Latest Features
Sarah Greenslade, public affairs and communications officer at the British Parking Association looks at some of the problems and innovations in healthcare parking
It’s easy to assume that the comms team is there to handle press enquiries and the occasional social media storm – but the reality is that strategic communications can make a measurable impact across the entire organisation, from operational to financial, when done properly
