#Mesh: Social Media and Its Influence on Perceptions in Hernia Repair

Abstract

Social media can influence public perception in health care. By 2016, social media discussion against the use of transvaginal mesh influenced changes in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. We propose that the fate of hernia mesh will follow that of transvaginal mesh. Thus, we compare the trend of social media discussion of hernia and transvaginal mesh. Posts on Twitter and public Facebook groups were tracked for keywords “hernia,” “hernia mesh,” and “pelvic/vaginal mesh.” Posts were categorized based on sentiment. On Facebook, 16 public groups with 14 526 members expressed negative sentiments in 95% of their 750 daily posts. Meanwhile, of the 1.1 million tweets on Twitter, those about hernia mesh were more negative (36.5%) than those about pelvic/vaginal mesh (29.2%). Three of the 5 top tweeters about hernia mesh and pelvic/vaginal mesh were linked to law firms involved in mesh-based lawsuits. The negative sentiments and steering of social media discussion by lawyers may directly affect surgical care. As surgeons, we may adapt our informed consent to acknowledge our patients’ apprehensions about mesh. We may also be more involved in social media discussions ourselves. Meanwhile, we await FDA decisions in the regulation and availability of hernia mesh.

Primary and Recurrent Repair of Incisional Hernia Based on Biomechanical Considerations to Avoid Mesh-Related Complications

“…Complications may be falsely attributed to meshes if a potential mismatch of the mechanical properties of the meshes as part of the repair and the loads acting on them is ignored ( 12 ). Lawsuits, public criticism, more demanding administrative and governmental regulations and reduced availability of hernia meshes may result ( 21 ). According to internet sources, more many thousand mesh-related law suits are still pending in 2021 after the settlement of roughly 3,000 cases for 184 million US$ ( www.drugwatch.com/hernia-mesh/lawsuits/ ).…”

Using social media research in health technology assessment: stakeholder perspectives and scoping review

“…However, social media discussions have impacted healthcare-related decisions in not-evidence-based ways: Fadaee et al warned that interest-driven negative anti-hernia mesh communication in social media -- largely driven by lawyers in the USA (three of the five top tweeters were linked to law firms involved in mesh-based lawsuits) -- might provoke a negative FDA decision, as it has happened before with pelvic/vaginal mesh (15).…”

“…Research on social media, henceforth referred to as Social Media Research, such as social media listening or sentiment analysis, may yield insights into patients’ needs, expectations, and experiences from a wider group of patients in a more standardized or objective fashion being less dependent on selective individual experiences (10–14). On the other hand, Social Media Research may introduce new biases such as relying on input from digitally active patients who may predominantly discuss negative experiences or from sources aiming to manipulate the discussion among users (13; 15).…”

Editorial: Mesh Complications in Hernia Surgery

“…Patientreported outcomes should be included (18). Patient's wishes and expectations matter and should be considered for good outcomes (19).…”