Is it safe to undergo an MRI with hernia repair mesh in place?
Is Hernia Repair Mesh MRI Safe?
When an individual gets a hernia, often the only solution is to have a surgical procedure to repair the muscle. Typically, mesh is used to support the herniated area, to prevent the hernia from recurring. However, when patients experience pain or discomfort after the procedure and require an MRI, they may be concerned whether the mesh used is MRI safe.
What is MRI?
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a medical imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and other structures within the body. This diagnostic tool is used to diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions and can play a crucial role in guiding medical treatment.
What is Hernia Repair Mesh?
Hernia repair mesh is a medical device made of synthetic materials, including polypropylene and polyester, which is used to repair damaged muscles in hernia surgeries. This mesh offers a long-term solution that prevents the hernia from recurring, by reinforcing the damaged muscle walls.
Is Hernia Repair Mesh MRI Safe?
The short answer is yes; hernia repair mesh is MRI safe.
Although MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, hernia repair mesh is not affected by the magnet. The mesh is designed to be non-magnetic, so there should be no adverse effects on the patient. Furthermore, many patients have undergone MRI scans after hernia repair surgery, without experiencing any complications related to the mesh.
Conclusion
MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool that can guide medical treatment and improve patient outcomes. If you have had a hernia repair surgery with mesh and require an MRI, rest assured that the mesh is MRI safe.
If you have any concerns or questions about whether your particular mesh is MRI safe, consult with your healthcare provider.
Hernia repairs utilizing mesh as a part of the repair process are a common and relatively safe surgical option. Mesh provides a strong surgical reinforcement in hernia repairs, allowing for an increased rate of successful procedures. Certain patients, however, may have concerns about Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans following hernia repair with mesh. The good news is that there are now mesh materials available which are deemed safe for the MRI environment, providing additional peace-of-mind for those moving forward with this type of repair.
Recent studies have indicated that new PET/CT and MRI compatible surgical meshes are in use. This means that these materials can be used during hernia repair with no problems for patients when needing to undergo an MRI scan for an unrelated reason following the procedure. These specialised meshes, which are quite similar in cost to non-MRI compatible meshes, are designed in such a way to limit the interference of the magnetic field during MRI imaging, reducing the risk of the scan being substandard due to the presence of the mesh.
As a result of the success of these specialised MRI compatible meshes, most surgeons now use this material exclusively in hernia repairs where a patient may need an MRI scan in the future. Whilst there are associated costs with the use of these meshes, they generally provide peace of mind to the patient, who can rest assured that the presence of the mesh will not cause any problems during their future MRI scan.
In conclusion, hernia repair with mesh is a safe and secure surgical option, and thanks to the advancements in MRI compatible mesh materials, the potential for any problems during a future MRI scan are greatly reduced. Patients can rest assured that the latest available materials are being used in hernia repairs, providing increased safety and peace of mind.