Hernia repair surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the U.S. with over 700,000 operations being performed every year. Sometimes complications arise after surgery leading to serious injuries if the mesh is defective. During hernia repair surgery the hernia is removed or pushed back into the abdomen. The surgeon then closes the weakened abdominal muscles with a piece of mesh made of synthetic plastic called polypropylene that is sewn into place to strengthen the abdominal wall.
Patients who have undergone surgery to repair a hernia may experience somplications if the mesh fails to adhere or slips out of place. According the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA), the most common problems after hernia mesh surgery include the following:
- Severe pain
- Infection
- Hernia recurrence
- Adhesion
- Bowel obstruction
- Mesh migration
- Mesh shrinkage or contraction
Additional Mesh Related Complications
Some common mesh failure related complications are described in more detail below:
Moderate to Severe Pain: The most common early warning sign of mesh related complications is pain and discomfort often accompanied by bruising and swelling around the hernia. These symptoms may be connected to a rash or irritation on the skin near the surgical incision.
Infection: Infection which may be accompanied by bleeding is a clear sign of mesh related complications. Chronic infection typically causes redness and inflammation and fever like symptoms in the area around the incision.
Seroma: A pocket of clear fluid known as seroma may build up in the area. The clear fluid is composed of blood and plasma that may have leaked out of the tissue indicating infection.
Bowel Obstruction: When hernia mesh migrates or moves from the original point of incision, it can cause bowel obstruction causing difficulty using the bathroom. Bowel obstruction is one of the more severe complications impacting patients.
Erectile Dysfunction: Men with inguinal hernias may see changes in their sexual ability related to hernia mesh complications including inability to become aroused or experiencing painful erections. Loss of sensitivity and difficulty achieving orgasm are also common stemming from reduced blood flow caused by the mesh.
Hernia Mesh Recalls
Across all U.S. manufacturers, over 200,000 units of hernia mesh were recalled between 2005 and 2018 due to mesh failures and related injuries to patients. Manufacturers recall their products if they discover a problem or if doctors and patients report serious issues and complications related to the defective product. Oftentimes complication arise when defective mesh was used during the surgery. Some brands of surgical mesh have been recalled due the high failure rate and manufacturing defects.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the agency that tracks and reports drug and device related issues. In the FDAs analysis of medical adverse events reports, recalled mesh products were the main cause of bowel perforation and obstruction complications which are some of the more severe issues that develop in patients.
You may have a claim for damages caused by hernia mesh failure
If you had hernia repair surgery and are experiencing one or more of the complications listed above, you may qualify to join a mass action lawsuit that has been filed against several hernia mesh manufacturers. Case Works is not a law firm, but we work with some of the best attorneys in the nation and can help you get connected with one of them to evaluate your case. Click the button below to get in touch with us.
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