Expert: Curtis J. Edwards, MD, FACS - 1/16/2008

Question
Hello, I have had 4 hernia repairs the first one my body rejected the marlex mesh and balled it up causing severe pain and discomfort.  I have also had a gastric bypass.  I currently had a bone marrow biopsy and it shows that there is a allergy response to something unidentifiable.  I have had allergy testing and there have been no responses.  Can the mesh or the bypass staples be causing this allergy?

Answer
Certainly, but it is exceeding rare in my experience.  It is more likely an antigen in your environment, such as  pollen, a specific soap, pet dander, mouse dander, insect debris (cockroaches, flies, spiders), plants, perfumes, city dirt, etc.  Marlex and stainless staples are extremely well tolerated in the body.  They are very nearly inert if placed under sterile conditions.  By the by, I have never encountered a patient who "rejected," Marlex.  I have removed balls of Marlex that were not adequately secured and folded up on themselves.  I have also removed infected Marlex.  I hope this helps.