New lawsuits are filed every day regarding the use of surgical mesh for treating hernias. Hernias are a common condition, with more than 1 million repair procedures performed every year nationwide. Among those repairs are many that include the use of surgical mesh, ostensibly to decrease the rate of recurrence. Patients who receive surgical mesh are often not aware of the risks associated with the product. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable mesh products have been linked to serious side effects that threaten the health and well-being of hernia sufferers.
Known Hernia Mesh Complications
Hernia mesh can lead to several problems, depending on how the product or procedure failed. The following are common ailments associated with the use of hernia mesh:
- Adhesion – This occurs when hernia mesh causes tissues to stick together.
- Infection – Hernia mesh infections may lead to further surgeries needed to fix the problem.
- Mesh migration – This occurs when hernia mesh breaks apart or the entire piece detaches from its proper place and moves inside the patient.
- Bowel obstruction – Hernia mesh can block passage through the bowels or cause scar tissue that obstructs the bowels.
- Mesh rejection – Some patients’ bodies reject the mesh material, leading to a strong immune response until the mesh is removed.
- Bowel perforation – Some mesh products can push through bowels or other tissue, causing internal bleeding and other complications.
- Hernia return – Hernia mesh may not prevent a recurrence of the hernia or may even contribute to it as tissue is further weakened, leading to another hernia.
- Hernia mesh shrinkage – Some hernia mesh products shrink after they are implanted. If the procedure does not take shrinkage into account, the result can be a recurrence of the hernia or other complications.
- Pain – Perhaps the most common result of a hernia mesh failure is pain. All the complications tied to hernia mesh can result in severe, debilitating pain for the patient.
Hernia Mesh Recalls
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recalled several hernia mesh products due to their defective nature. Trials are underway to help victims of these and other defective mesh products recover the compensation they deserve for the pain, lost function, medical expense and other costs associated with their brush with hernia mesh.
At Holman Schiavone, LLC, our skilled lawyers are leading the fight to help victims of hernia mesh injuries. With extensive trial experience and a knowledge of defective product laws, our attorneys are in a position help you get the compensation you deserve. By fighting back, you can help yourself and your family, while also holding negligent businesses accountable for the harm they’ve done. Call us today at (816) 399-5149 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.