10/10/2026
Is hernia mesh safe?
Hernia mesh is a synthetic material used to reinforce the abdominal wall during hernia surgery. It is an intrinsic part of modern hernia repair, but like any medical device, it can have potential complications—particularly when it comes into direct contact with the intestines and other internal organs.
For this reason, modern hernia surgery increasingly favors placing the mesh away from the abdominal organs whenever the anatomy and type of hernia allow it.
In our routine ventral hernia repairs, we place the mesh in a plane known as the preperitoneal plane.
In simple terms, the mesh is positioned within the abdominal wall and away from the intestines and other delicate abdominal organs.
Another important advantage of this approach is that it allows us to preserve the natural supporting layers of the abdominal wall rather than cutting through them.
So modern hernia repair is not only about whether mesh is used — but where and how it is placed.
Because with mesh, position matters.