A surgical mesh that is the subject of international lawsuits and health warnings is still being implanted in hundreds of New Zealanders

Hundreds paid ACC compo for pain and suffering after surgery goes wrong.

Heather Anderson has been in severe pain for years after surgical mesh was implanted in her abdomen. Photo / Kellie Blizard

A surgical mesh that is the subject of international lawsuits and health warnings is still being implanted in hundreds of New Zealanders.

The mesh is often used for hernia repairs and prolapsed pelvic organs and muscles, despite ACC paying $3.1 million in treatment and compensation to people with post-surgical complications.

Heather Anderson has been in pain for eight years since the mesh was implanted in her lower abdomen.

She said it was like a cheese grater cutting through her internal organs.
Full article here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10837440
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Gary:
When considering elective surgery the two over-riding lessons inherent in this article are:

Thoroughly exhaust the non-surgical options first

Options such as exercises, weight loss (if relevant) and even nutrition (zinc deficiency, for example leave one prone to lax connective tissue, including ligaments).  Unfortunately, these measures take time, the input of experts and a lot of effort.  Many people go with the quick and easy option - surgery.

Use a surgeon or surgical team that specialises in the procedure

If you have the latest Mercedes and it needs repairs would you go to a mechanic that works on Japanese and Chinese cars?

A good example of what I am talking about is endometriosis, a condition that afflicts thousands of women.  Yes, you can go get the job done by a general surgeon; but you are risking things going horribly wrong.  The surgical removal of endometriosis is best done by a specialist surgical team and there are not many of these in New Zealand.

The difference between your body and the Mercedes, is one can not be traded in for a new one if the repair job is botched!

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