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Does Mesh Covering Abdomen For Hernia Repair Cause Of Pressure On Sternum?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Mar 2015
Question: Could mesh covering entire abdomen for hernia repair be the cause of pressure on sternum; causing breathing issues as the inability to wear a bra or anything tight around this area restricts breathing. If so, what test can be done and is there anything that can correct this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Mesh is rather not the cause of breathing problems.

Detailed Answer:
How large was the mesh? Does it really cover whole abdomen? What kind of mesh it was (partially absorbable?)? Was it placed on the abdominal muscle or directly on intestines? Hernia surgery was performed laparoscopically or with another incision? Do you have any cough? Especially in the morning?

Abdominal mesh does not rather cause breathing problems. Too tight placed mesh will cause abdominal wall extend, like during pregnancy. Even if the mesh is large, the areas where there is no mesh can get extended. So the mesh will be in the center and more abdominal wall will appear on both sides. I hope you get this point.
Your breathing problems may be caused by bloating which you have. Too much air in large intestine or stomach can compress the diaphragm and cause a feeling of shallow breathing.
If you have cough, asthma can be the case as well. It should be diagnosed with blow test (spirometry). Pulmunologist can do this test.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 hour later)
The breathing issue started after hernia repair. Laparoscopy for colorectal surgery; an unnecessary surgery causing problems I've never dreamed of.
Mesh covers from right below breat and are size of 9" plate. A lot going on under area.dr said he just pushes everything back in and layers w/mesh. I don't know name of it. I dont have a cough. Have to sleep on side. Not absorbable. But, a lot of moving around under mesh. Tests lined up to check. Lying flat on back and tight tops make breathing more difficult. I didn't have any abdominal issues until this dr got ahold of me. I understand mistakes are made but this ruined my quality of life. You are very knowledgeable.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Distended colon or stomach seems more probable than mesh issue.

Detailed Answer:
It is possible that pushing inside all intestines and closing tight with a mesh could cause breathing problems. But usually at the beginning. And after some time the abdominal wall gets extended. So breathing problems, if caused by tightness in abdominal cavity, should disappear.
But adhesions and intestine stitched to mesh/abdominal wall can be the main cause of bloating and breathing problems. This can be seen on chest or abdomen x-ray. The diaphragm appears higher then usually in case of abdominal reasons for breathing problems (its called elevated hemidiaphragms). MRI should show it as well.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5795 Questions

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Does Mesh Covering Abdomen For Hernia Repair Cause Of Pressure On Sternum?

Brief Answer: Mesh is rather not the cause of breathing problems. Detailed Answer: How large was the mesh? Does it really cover whole abdomen? What kind of mesh it was (partially absorbable?)? Was it placed on the abdominal muscle or directly on intestines? Hernia surgery was performed laparoscopically or with another incision? Do you have any cough? Especially in the morning? Abdominal mesh does not rather cause breathing problems. Too tight placed mesh will cause abdominal wall extend, like during pregnancy. Even if the mesh is large, the areas where there is no mesh can get extended. So the mesh will be in the center and more abdominal wall will appear on both sides. I hope you get this point. Your breathing problems may be caused by bloating which you have. Too much air in large intestine or stomach can compress the diaphragm and cause a feeling of shallow breathing. If you have cough, asthma can be the case as well. It should be diagnosed with blow test (spirometry). Pulmunologist can do this test. Hope this will help. Regards.