Hernia Mesh

There are a number of medical conditions or accidents that could cause a person to develop a hernia or a weakness in the abdominal wall. Many patients were told a simple surgery with a medical device called hernia mesh would correct their hernia, but these devices have now proven not only ineffective, but also dangerous.

What Is A Hernia?

Hernias occur when a weakness in the abdominal wall allows internal organs and tissues to push through the wall. If left untreated, hernias can become extremely painful and cause severe, life-threatening injuries. Hernias can occur very quickly or in other instances can develop slowly over time.

Hernias can be caused by a number of factors like surgery, sudden weight gain, heavy weight lifting, pregnancy, and chronic coughing, among others. While minor hernias might resolve on their own, others require surgery.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over one million hernia repair surgeries are performed each year. While some of these surgeries are performed on patients experiencing a hernia for the first time, others are performed on patients with recurring hernias. Recurring hernias are incredibly dangerous because the likelihood of a successful repair decreases with each surgery.

How Does Hernia Mesh Work?

Hernia mesh is made up of a type of plastic called polypropylene. Tiny polypropylene fibers are woven together to create a patch. These patches can be placed over weakened abdominal muscles and holes in the abdominal wall to allow the muscle to heal while keeping all organs and tissues from protruding through the abdominal wall.

The Dangers of Hernia Mesh

Unfortunately, since the mid-2000s, the FDA recalled a number of different hernia mesh products. Product manufacturers have pulled other products from the market for causing severe side effects.

The FDA has received reports of hernia mesh causing side effects including:

• Chronic pain – Because hernias can be extremely painful, many patients seek relief through surgery. Unfortunately even after hernia mesh repair surgery, many patients still suffer from chronic pain.
• Infection – Infections caused by hernia mesh are incredibly difficult to treat with antibiotics and often require a subsequent surgical procedure to remove the mesh device.
• Hernia Recurrence – Many patients with hernia mesh experience device failure and suffer additional hernias.
• Adhesions – Adhesions occur when bands of scar tissue attach to organs. With hernia mesh patients, the mesh can act as scar tissue and adhere to organs like the intestines.
• Obstruction – When adhesions form on hernia mesh, they can obstruct the bowels and cause severe digestive issues.
• Organ perforation – Hernia mesh with adhesions can penetrate the walls of organs, causing holes and serious medical complications.

Patients with hernia mesh products also report suffering additional symptoms including:

What To Do If You’ve Experienced Hernia Mesh Complications

A failed hernia repair surgery can be devastating. Not only do patients begin to experience the pain and other symptoms from hernias again, but they are also faced with the reality that a full recovery becomes less likely with each recurrence. Manufacturers of hernia mesh products are required to make safe products for consumers and to warn them of all risks associated with their devices.

Nabers Law Firm: Hernia Mesh Lawyers

If you or someone you love suffered a hernia mesh complication, you have the right to hold the manufacturer responsible. Although facing a large medical device company may seem intimidating, you are not alone. The experienced hernia mesh injury attorneys at Nabers Law Firm have a track record of success against some of the largest medical device and pharmaceutical companies in the world.

We can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation on your behalf. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.