Mesh-related symptoms

Mesh pain after hernia surgery

People often use the term “mesh pain” to describe ongoing discomfort after hernia repair. In reality, symptoms can come from several mechanisms (scar tension, nerve irritation, fixation points, recurrence or non-hernia causes). A careful assessment helps identify what is most likely driving symptoms.

Common symptoms How it’s assessed

What symptoms do people report?

The pattern matters more than the label.

Common descriptions

Tightness or pulling sensation
Focal pain at one corner / one point
Discomfort with twisting or core activity
A “foreign body” or “awareness” sensation
Sensitivity to touch or pressure

Symptoms that suggest nerve involvement

Burning, shooting, or electric-shock pain
Tingling or numbness
Clothing or seatbelt becomes painful
Pain radiates in a line/distribution

See nerve pain for more detail.

Urgent symptoms (fever, rapidly worsening pain, vomiting, or a hard tender lump) require urgent assessment.

What might contribute to symptoms?

Several overlapping mechanisms can contribute.

Healing & inflammation

Normal postoperative inflammatory response
Swelling and tissue stiffness
Improves gradually over weeks

Mechanical factors

Scar tethering / reduced tissue glide
Fixation point irritation (selected cases)
Activity overload early in recovery

Other causes to consider

Nerve irritation or entrapment
Recurrence (sometimes subtle)
Hip/spine/adductor referral

How concerns are assessed

The goal is to identify the dominant pain driver and avoid unnecessary interventions.

Assessment commonly includes

Review of operation details (approach, prior repairs)
Pain mapping: location, triggers, sensory symptoms
Targeted examination for focal tenderness
Dynamic exam for recurrence
Hip/spine/adductor screening where relevant

Tests and targeted blocks

Imaging may be used when recurrence or other pathology is suspected. In selected cases, targeted injections (local anaesthetic ± steroid) can help confirm a pain generator and guide treatment.

What treatments may help?

Treatment is usually stepwise and tailored to the pain pattern.

First-line options

Activity pacing and graded return to exercise
Targeted physiotherapy
Optimising bowel habit
Analgesia as advised

Targeted options (after assessment)

Mesh & tack removal
Testicular nerve division
Division of involved groin nerves
Combined mesh and nerve surgery

See chronic groin pain for a broader overview.