products will alter their
techniques and cause a
higher recurrence rate or
a higher complication
rate. These are legitimate
concerns, and the right
thing to do is hear them
out.
If surgeons' preferred meshes will no longer be available, and
they draw a line in the sand with respect to using the materials
without a clear clinical reason for using them, let them know
they'll have to take cases elsewhere if still want to operate with
that particular mesh.
4. Stay current
Even after you've standardized your mesh supply, there will
always be new or updated products to consider. With mesh prod-
ucts of various types and styles changing every six months or so,
you might feel tempted to revisit your inventory frequently.
There's nothing wrong with keeping abreast of the changing mar-
ket, but a new product should offer some compelling benefits
before you stock it.
I've performed nearly 2,000 laparoscopic inguinal hernias, and
more than 4,500 hernias of all types. My inguinal hernia recur-
rence rate is about .05%, and the synthetic mesh I use is one of
the least expensive meshes available. It's not even worthwhile to
try and sell me on switching from the mesh I prefer — I'm not
going to change. My main facility has strict requirements for new
products as well. For instance, for us to add a new mesh, the
product much show:
7 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A Y 2 0 2 0
Surgeons with low recurrence
and complication rates
who are used to using a
specific type of mesh will be
loath to change.
