Hernia mesh  is used to repair a hernia. A hernia is an opening or weakness in the muscle and connective tissue around the belly area or groin. Over time, this opening can bulge, which creates pain and pressure as organs and fatty tissue pushes through the area. Sometimes, intestines can become lodged in the hernia. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery.

According to the Stony Brook Comprehensive Hernia Center, not all patients need a prosthetic mesh to repair a hernia. However, most hernias are repaired with a flat sheet of prosthetic mesh as a patch over the hernia. Unfortunately, many types of hernia mesh have been recalled because they fail or create complications.

Many people have complications from hernia mesh failure.

Here Are the Symptoms of Hernia Mesh Failure

Each patient is different, but here are the most common symptoms of hernia mesh failure:

• Fever, chills, and malaise
• Nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or have bowel movements
• Pain in and around the surgical site
• Swelling and tenderness at the surgical site
• Skin at surgical site is warm to touch
• Bloody or pus-filled discharge
• Recurrence of hernia

If you or a loved one had hernia repair surgery using mesh and have these symptoms, get medical attention right away. This condition can quickly become a medical emergency.

Hernia Mesh Used in Many Types of Hernia Repairs

Complications from hernia mesh are found in many types of hernia repair surgery that used this device. These include:

• Inguinal
• Femoral
• Incisional
• Ventral
• Umbilical
• Hiatal

Reasons for Hernia Mesh Failure

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hernia mesh (also called surgical mesh) is made from either synthetic or animal-derived materials. Synthetic hernia mesh is considered a permanent implant designed to strengthen the area and prevent recurrence. Animal-derived mesh from either a pig (porcine) or cow (bovine) source is absorbed into the body. As this material degrades, new tissue growth gives further support to the surgical site.

Typical Complications in Hernia Mesh Failure

The FDA states that the following complications are the most common adverse conditions following hernia repair surgery with mesh:

• Adhesion is scar-like tissue that sticks together and causes pain, infection, and hernia recurrence.
• Perforation occurs if the mesh punctures neighboring organs or tissue.
• Bowel obstruction is a blockage of the large or small intestine.
• Seroma occurs when fluid pools at the surgical site.
• Fistula is bleeding and an abnormal connection between organs, blood vessels, and intestines.
• Mesh movement or shrinkage that allows the device to migrate.

These are the most common adverse effects of hernia mesh failure. There may be others. You may have similar symptoms or a combination of symptoms.

Suggested Actions if You Have Symptoms of Hernia Mesh Failure

You should see your doctor right away or seek emergency care if you have symptoms of hernia mesh failure. Any complications from the hernia mesh failure, such as bowel obstruction or perforation, will have to be corrected.

After you receive medical care, contact a mass tort product liability law firm. Many people who suffered from defective hernia mesh have recovered compensatory damages. It is possible that you qualify for this compensation .

You May Be Entitled to Compensation from Hernia Mesh Failure

The FDA recalled several types of hernia mesh starting in 2005. Other hernia mesh products were voluntarily recalled by their manufacturer. A lawyer from our firm can investigate your hernia mesh. There are product codes and other clues that we use to find banned or dangerous devices.

If you or a loved one had complications or needed extensive corrective surgery after a hernia mesh failure, you could qualify for compensation for such damages as:

• Hospitalization
• Surgical and doctor fees
• Lifecare costs
• Lost pay
• Medication and therapies
• Reduced quality of life
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

Please keep in mind that there are statutes of limitations on seeking compensation for a defective hernia mesh device. Each state has its own deadline and if you wait too long, you may miss the opportunity to find out if you are eligible for compensation .

We Will Help You Pursue Damages for Your Hernia Mesh Failure

Medical devices should be safe and not cause adverse effects. Unfortunately, this is not always true. Manufacturers should be held accountable for defective medical devices. Tosi Law LLP is a nationwide mass tort product liability law firm that helps injured and disabled people, including those harmed by hernia mesh failure .

Please click here or call Tosi Law LLP at 888-311-8292 to find out if you or a loved one is eligible for damages from a hernia mesh failure.

Related Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is the Statute of Limitations on Hernia Mesh Lawsuits?
• How Do I Know If My Hernia Mesh Is Infected?
• When Was Hernia Mesh Recalled?
• What Hernia Mesh Has Been Recalled?
• Can Hernia Mesh Be Seen On CT Scan?