Can Hernia Mesh Make You Sick? A Hernia Surgeon's Perspective on Mesh Implant Illness | Dr. Yunus

Can hernia mesh cause chronic illness? How do you know if your symptoms are related to your implant? And when is mesh removal the right decision? In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Dr. Sharon Surita sits down with Jonathan Yunus, a board-certified hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction surgeon with over 30 years of experience specializing in complex hernia repairs and mesh-related complications. Dr. Yunus shares how he evaluates patients with suspected mesh implant illness, why a patient's timeline and symptom history are often more informative than imaging alone, and how he approaches complex mesh explant surgeries. As the surgeon who performed Sharon's own complex mesh explant surgery, Dr. Yunus also discusses her challenging case involving biosynthetic Phasix™ mesh implanted in the retrorectus space and explains why individualized care is critical for patients experiencing chronic symptoms after hernia repair. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔ How surgeons evaluate possible mesh implant illness ✔ Why imaging often fails to identify mesh-related complications ✔ The importance of symptom timing after implant surgery ✔ When mesh explant surgery should be considered ✔ Risks versus benefits of removing hernia mesh ✔ What patients should know about general anesthesia ✔ Mesh recurrence concerns versus quality of life ✔ Preventing hernia incarceration and strangulation while awaiting surgery ✔ Why individualized surgical planning matters Whether you're living with chronic pain, unexplained systemic symptoms, or considering hernia mesh removal, this conversation provides valuable insight from a surgeon who regularly treats patients with complex mesh-related conditions. 📘 Resources Mentioned 📖 Meshed Up: A Guide to Healing from Implant Illness Dr. Sharon Surita's book provides education and practical guidance for individuals navigating implant illness, nervous system dysfunction, inflammation, and recovery after implant surgery. https://go.functionallyenlightened.co... 🏥 Center for Hernia Repair Learn more about Dr. Jonathan Yunus and his practice specializing in complex hernia repair and mesh complications. https://www.centerforherniarepair.com/