Below are seven common signs of infection to look out for if you have had hernia mesh repair surgery.
1. Fever: When a hernia mesh medical device causes an infection, the patient's body temperature may rise in an attempt to kill off the bad bacteria. The body's white blood cells produce chemicals called pyrogens to bind with the brain's hypothalamus -- which regulates body temperature. It is normal for body temperature to fluctuate throughout the day. But a persistent fever above 100.4 is a cause for concern.
2. Inflammation: After surgery, the site of the area where the implantation operation occurred is always going to feel a bit sore. But if that tenderness also becomes swollen and/or painful, it could mean the abdomen is inflamed. Many mesh products use or used Polypropylene. This is a synthetic resin known to cause inflammation, which can lead to serious complications.
3. Redness at the site: A little redness is normal in the days following a hernia repair surgery. But if the surgical site remains red or becomes red later, it may indicate an infected mesh. Depending on the extent of the infection, the red or pinkish skin may be tender to the touch. The red skin may also be accompanied by seromas (fluid).
4. Burning sensation at the site: Like redness, a burning sensation at the mesh incision site can signal an infection. The clinical name for this burning is paresthesia. This burning may be mild or severe, sporadic or chronic. But any burning that persists should be checked out by a doctor.
5. Pain: Abdominal pain - from mild to severe pain - is a common sign of infection (as well as of bowel obstruction, organ perforation, mesh migration, and other hernia mesh complications). Left untreated, infections may cause scar tissue and nerve damage. Patients with an inguinal hernia or femoral hernia repair should pay extra attention to the incision site. If it becomes painful to walk or conduct day-to-day activities, then there may be an infection.
6. Flu-like symptoms: If your body is fighting an infection, you may experience traditional flu symptoms: Body aches, Chills, Nausea, Fever, and/or Vomiting. If you experience these symptoms after hernia repair surgery with mesh, seek immediate medical attention.
7. Swollen lymph node: Lymph nodes/glands are like the body's filters. They trap bad bacteria and viruses to keep them from infecting other parts of the body. When nodes swell, it is often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. People with past hernia mesh surgeries who notice that their groin lymph glands are swollen should see a doctor right away.