By Joe Fantini May 20, 2020

Are you experiencing symptoms that your doctor cannot link to a specific illness or injury? Have you considered that the symptoms might be an indication that you are experiencing hernia mesh complications? If you have a hernia mesh, it is worth a talk with your physician to determine if there could be a hernia mesh problem.

Five Signs of Hernia Mesh Complications

A variety of surgical procedures to repair hernias utilize surgical mesh or hernia mesh. Millions of people each year undergo hernia repair. The majority of those surgeries involve the use of surgical mesh.

Unfortunately, there are several serious complications associated with hernia mesh that can develop months or years after the surgery. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the five most common adverse events reported after hernia repair using surgical mesh are:

1.  Pain

Pain, ranging from mild discomfort to chronic pain, is the most common sign of a hernia mesh complication. The discomfort may also be accompanied by swelling and bruising. If a patient continues to experience pain or the pain increases, the person should see a doctor immediately. Pain could be the only symptom of a surgical mesh complication.

2.  Infection

Recurring infections could be an indication that there is a problem with the hernia mesh. The area where the hernia occurred may feel hot or appear red.

Common signs of infection caused by hernia mesh include:

A patient could experience organ damage, sepsis, hernia recurrence, intestinal fistula, and other severe conditions from an untreated infection.

3.  Hernia Recurrence

There are a variety of risk factors that could increase a person’s chance of hernia recurrence, such as too much activity after surgery, smoking, and obesity.

However, several surgical mesh complications are associated with hernia recurrence. Infections, perforation, migration, fistula, and adhesion may all lead to hernia recurrence. Additionally, any errors with the installation of the hernia mesh could result in complications. If you believe your doctor was at fault, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

4.  Adhesion

After surgery, scar tissue may form around the hernia mesh. The scar tissue binds the hernia mesh to organs or other tissue, which can cause a variety of complications. Signs of adhesion include:

In some cases, adhesion can cause life-threatening conditions if it cuts off blood flow to the affected organ or area.

5.  Bowel Obstruction

Bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small or large intestine. Blockages in the intestines can cause a variety of symptoms and problems, including the inability to defecate or urinate. Adhesion is a common cause of bowel obstruction.

If bowel obstructions are not treated, they could become life-threatening.  Symptoms may include cramping, vomiting, constipation, and swelling.

Problems with Hernia Mesh Implants

Several different types of hernias may be treated surgically with hernia mesh implants. However, these surgical mesh implants have resulted in a variety of complications. The FDA has received numerous adverse event reports from patients who have suffered complications caused by hernia mesh implants.

Surgical mesh implants have been the subject of several medical device recalls. As a result, patients who have sustained injuries and damages because of hernia mesh complications have filed claims and lawsuits against manufacturers of surgical mesh. Some of the distributors and manufacturers named in the lawsuits include Bard/Davol, Covidien, Johnson & Johnson, Atrium, and Medtronic.

Plaintiffs in hernia mesh lawsuits allege various causes of action, including that the manufacturers failed to warn patients and doctors of the risks and potential side effects of hernia mesh.

Some lawsuits allege that the manufacturers knew about potential defects, but failed to disclose the information. The specific lawsuits contain allegations that may be related to the individual surgical mesh products.

Compensation Available for Surgical Mesh Injuries

You could have a claim for damages if you have suffered adverse effects because of the surgical mesh used in your hernia repair surgery. The amount of compensation you might be entitled to receive depends on several factors.

The value of your economic damages is one factor. If you had corrective surgery, the financial expenses related to your surgery are included in damages. Loss of income incurred as a result of the hernia mesh complications is also included in a claim.

Noneconomic damages are the pain and suffering you endured because of the defective medical device. You may receive compensation for your mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and physical pain by filing a hernia mesh injury claim.

If you have questions about a hernia mesh claim, contact an experienced defective medical device lawyer for more information.