Types of Hernias and How Hernia Mesh Causes Complications

According to Mayo Clinic, a hernia is an internal injury that happens when fatty tissue or an organ (like an intestine) breaks through weak parts of the muscle (like the abdominal wall). Although not inherently dangerous, the hernia can cause pain and discomfort, especially when bending over or coughing. Types of hernias include: 

• Inguinal hernias – on the thigh
• Ventral hernias – on the abdomen
• Hiatal hernias – on the diaphragm
• Femoral hernias – on the groin
• Incisional hernias – from a surgical procedure

In certain circumstances, hernias become strangulated, which can be life-threatening. This is why many doctors recommend a surgical procedure to repair the hernia before it gets to this stage. Types of procedures include open surgery, non-invasive laparoscopic surgery, or even robotic surgery.

In essence, hernia repair surgery is meant to prevent further complications. As a result, losing someone you love to this condition is especially devastating. If you suspect your loss was preventable, you can explore legal action to find answers. 

Hernia Mesh May Have Contributed to Your Loss

Hernia mesh, also known as surgical mesh, is a medical device often used by surgeons to support the surrounding tissue and help the weak spot heal after hernia surgery. Ideally, the mesh will also help prevent a recurrent hernia. 

Some surgical mesh is meant to dissolve in the body, while non-absorbable mesh remains as a permanent implant. Some types of mesh are made from synthetic material, while others are biologic mesh or composite mesh. 

While hernia mesh can help the body heal and prevent hernia recurrences, it comes with risks. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), defective hernia mesh products have been linked to the following serious complications:

• Bowel obstruction
• Organ or bowel perforation
• Adhesion to surrounding tissue
• Damaged tissue
• Infection
• Chronic pain

Some of these issues are caused by mesh migration. This is when the mesh material moves from its original position to another part of the body. Mesh migration can cause issues like organ obstruction or even perforation. Other complications can arise from the mesh itself due to defects in or reactions to the material.

Poorly implanted or defective hernia mesh can require additional surgery for mesh removal and to correct any complications. For example, someone who suffered from an abdominal wall hernia and received a mesh for treatment may have to undergo abdominal surgery again for removal. Sadly, sometimes removing the mesh and treating the damage isn’t enough.

Recourse for Families of Hernia Mesh Victims

While these defective mesh products are no longer on the market, that does not turn back the clock. These devices were out there, implanted in people who thought they were protecting their health by undergoing hernia repair surgery. 

Families face devastating emotional and financial losses after mesh complications cause a loved one’s death. If this affected your family, you can pursue compensation for:

• Outstanding medical bills
• Burial and funeral costs
• Lost income
• Your pain and suffering

Damages don’t just cover costs after your loved one’s passing. Any attempts at medical intervention, such as mesh removal, additional hernia repair surgeries, and treatment for complications are eligible for reimbursement. In fact, your legal team can pursue compensation for any losses from the ordeal, past and future. 

Filing Suit Against the Manufacturers of Hernia Mesh

The FDA has recalled several types of faulty mesh. These recalls can form the basis of legal action. Some manufacturers whose negligence may have contributed to your loved one’s passing include:

• Ethicon
• Atrium
• Bard
• Parietex
• Gentrix

The surgeon can confirm if your family member’s implant was from a recalled manufacturer. Your lawyer can assess whether you should join a case against a manufacturer or if you qualify to start a new lawsuit against a different manufacturer.

These lawsuits have their own requirements and eligibility, but a lawyer can guide you through the process of starting a new one or joining an existing multidistrict litigation (MDL) case. Even if you aren’t sure if your loved one’s type of mesh qualifies, you can talk with a product liability attorney if you suspect a defect played a role.

Filing a Lawsuit for Medical Malpractice for Fatal Hernia Repair

If your loved one’s death was not due to the defective mesh itself, but the negligence of doctors, surgeons, nurses, or hospital administration, you can potentially file a medical malpractice suit for wrongful death. 

Unlike a product liability lawsuit against mesh manufacturers, this lawsuit’s success depends on proving that your family member’s healthcare providers acted in an unreasonable and negligent way, causing your loved one’s death. For instance, the doctor may have made a mistake in their surgical technique, or a nurse may have failed to sterilize instruments.

If you feel that there are other parties to blame for your loved one’s death in addition to mesh manufacturers, your lawyer can walk you through your options for filing a medical malpractice suit. 

How Hernia Mesh Lawyers Assist You

Personal injury lawyers take on the work of your loved one’s case and explain: 

• Who in your family can file a lawsuit for your loved one
• How long you have to file in your specific case
• How to fill out and file any necessary paperwork and court documents
• The steps in a lawsuit and what to expect
• The differences between a class-action or multidistrict litigation and a medical malpractice case
• What evidence you need to support a hernia mesh suit and how to obtain it

Hernia mesh cases deal with specific medical procedures and techniques. Getting compensation can therefore hinge on specialized or intricate information. A medical malpractice attorney can work alongside experts in this field to ensure doctors and manufacturers don’t hide behind technicalities. 

Let Loncar Lyon Jenkins Fight on Behalf of Your Loved One

Our firm has fought for the rights of Texans since 1988. With eight offices and 7,000 clients represented a year, we have the resources you need to build a strong case, all while offering you the personal attention you deserve.

Let us fight to recover the compensation you need after you lost your loved one. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today to receive your free consultation and learn if you can file a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one affected by hernia mesh.

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The most common adverse events following hernia repair with meshes are pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion, and bowel obstruction. Some other potential adverse events that can occur following hernia repair with meshes are mesh migration and mesh shrinkage (contraction).

Hernia meshes are dangerous because complications related to hernia repair with surgical meshes have been reported to the FDA. Pain, infection, recurrence, adhesion, obstruction, and perforation are the most common complications associated with recalled meshes. In the FDA’s analysis of medical adverse event reports to the FDA, recalled meshes products were the main cause of bowel perforation.

The Medical Purpose of a Hernia Meshes

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the side effects of hernia meshes deal with critical areas of the body like the skin, intestines, and major internal organs.

Overall, the most common adverse events for all surgical repair of hernias—with or without meshes—are pain, infection, hernia recurrence, scar-like tissue that sticks tissues together, blockage of the large or small intestine, bleeding, an abnormal connection between organs, vessels, or intestines, fluid build-up at the surgical site, and a hole in neighboring tissues or organs.

The most common adverse events following hernia repair with meshes are pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion, and bowel obstruction. Some other potential adverse events that can occur following hernia repair with meshes are mesh migration and mesh shrinkage (contraction).

Uses for Hernia Meshes

A hernia mesh is a medical device that is used to provide additional support to weakened or damaged tissue. The majority of surgical mesh devices currently available for use are constructed from synthetic materials or animal tissue.

Surgical meshes made of synthetic materials can be found in knitted mesh or non-knitted sheet forms. The synthetic materials used can be absorbable, non-absorbable, or a combination of absorbable and non-absorbable materials.

Animal-derived meshes are made of animal tissue, such as intestines or skin, that has been processed and disinfected to be suitable for use as an implanted device. These animal-derived meshes are absorbable.

That being said, non-absorbable meshes will remain in the body indefinitely and is considered a permanent implant. It is used to provide permanent reinforcement to the repaired hernia. Absorbable meshes will degrade and lose strength over time. It is not intended to provide long-term reinforcement to the repair site. As the material degrades, new tissue growth is intended to provide strength to the repair.

Some Hernia Mesh Injuries Come from Surgery

Based on research from Medline Plus, the most common adverse events for all surgical repair of hernias—with or without meshes—are pain, infection, hernia recurrence, scar-like tissue that sticks tissues together, blockage of the large or small intestine, bleeding, an abnormal connection between organs, vessels, or intestines, fluid build-up at the surgical site, and a hole in neighboring tissues or organs.

The most common adverse events following hernia repair with meshes are pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion, and bowel obstruction. Some other potential adverse events that can occur following hernia repair with meshes are mesh migration and mesh shrinkage.

Many complications related to hernia repair with surgical meshes that have been reported to the FDA have been associated with recalled mesh products that are no longer on the market. Pain, infection, recurrence, adhesion, obstruction, and perforation are the most common complications associated with recalled meshes. In the FDA’s analysis of medical adverse event reports to the FDA, recalled mesh products were the main cause of bowel perforation and obstruction complications.

Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Lawyers Fighting for You and Your Loved Ones

The way we see it, we want to make the entire process as pain-free as possible when you find yourself asking if hernia meshes are dangerous, we want you to feel a sense of comfort knowing you have an attorney in your corner.

Here at Loncar Lyon Jenkins, once we learn more about your unique circumstances, we can help educate you about your legal options so you can move forward with confidence. Most importantly, we can be there to take the reins on your case while you sit back and focus on recovering from your injuries. The way we see it, you could probably use one less thing to worry about after a serious accident like this.

We have catered out legal services to help you throughout your legal proceedings, from start to finish. Some of these services include:

• Bringing your case to trial and providing civil litigation services
• Assisting with insurance claims
• Reviewing what you are covered for under your insurance policy
• Negotiating settlements on your behalf
• Handling the investigation and gathering evidence to help you prove liability
• Examining the laws in your state
• Providing general legal counsel
• Contacting expert witnesses to help examine your case

To learn more about our hernia mesh services, contact a Loncar Lyon Jenkins representative today at (877) 239-4878 to receive your free consultation.

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According to the FDA, hernia mesh may not only cause you to experience pain and infection, but it can also lead to hernia recurrence, adhesion, and even intestinal obstruction. In fact, due to the risks associated with having certain types of hernia mesh implanted, the FDA has issued recalls for certain brands. If your hernia mesh was recalled because it was deemed unsafe and hazardous to your health, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against the product’s manufacturer.

Why Hernia Mesh Is Still Used Today

Hernia mesh has been used for decades in hernia repair surgeries, and some doctors still suggest that repairing a hernia with mesh can reduce the chances of hernia recurrence. Although the FDA says that most of the defective meshes that led to complications have been recalled, meaning they are no longer available for use, repairing a hernia with mesh still carries some level of risk.

According to Dr. Andrew T. Bates, director of the Stony Brook Comprehensive Hernia Center, hernia meshes are considered foreign bodies, which means they can become infected. According to Bates, if the mesh becomes contaminated during or after surgery, it can cause an infection to develop. If this happens, an individual could experience other health issues due to the infection and may even be required to undergo a second surgery to remove the mesh.

Despite the risks associated with having mesh implanted, it is still being used in many hernia repair surgeries.

Steps to Take if Your Hernia Mesh Is Responsible for Your Health Complications

If your physician links your health complications to your hernia mesh, you should contact a lawyer for legal advice. If your physician has not been able to make a direct link between your health conditions and the medical device, but you continue to experience some of the same complications identified by the FDA, it is still a good idea to contact an attorney.

A lawyer with our firm can enlist the help of medical professionals who can determine if your mesh is responsible for your declining health.

If you think you have a case, start writing down the details of the following:

• The quality and severity of any pain you are experiencing
• Any doctor’s or hospital visits you make related to your condition
• How your pain interferes with your lifestyle and ability to work

If you have a hernia mesh, you should gather all receipts and bills for the medical care you have already received to address issues you experienced that could be linked back to your hernia mesh. These will be useful if you have a valid case against the medical device manufacturer or the facility where the surgery was performed and are looking to recover compensation to help you cover these medical costs.

Damages that May Be Awarded in a Hernia Mesh Case

Hernia meshes have not only left some individuals suffering from pain and discomfort, but they have also resulted in many people having to undergo multiple surgeries to repair the damage the mesh has caused. Such surgeries are painful, inconvenient, and costly.

Because certain hernia mesh companies created a medical device that was either defective or contained a flaw in its design, many of those who have been injured by their hernia meshes have chosen to come forward with a lawsuit.

And if your hernia mesh is responsible for your health issues, you may be entitled to recover the following damages, given they apply to your case:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost income
• Loss of earning capacity
• Medical expenses, both past, and future
• Mental anguish

Call a Lawyer if Your Hernia Mesh Has Caused You to Suffer in Any Way

If you have a hernia mesh that has caused you to suffer an injury or has led to pain, a bowel obstruction, or additional surgical procedures to correct issues the mesh caused, contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins at (877) 239-4878 today. We work to protect the rights of those who have been injured by a defective or dangerous product and will fight for the justice you deserve.

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Hernia mesh lawsuits are among some of the more complex types of cases since they require a significant amount of time, effort, and research on the lawyer’s part. If you are interested in learning more about how a lawyer can help you with your hernia mesh lawsuit, read on as we address this and much more.

Ways a Lawyer Can Help You with Your Hernia Mesh Lawsuit

There are many steps involved in the lawsuit process, all of which a lawyer will explain and walk you through. But before you even file your lawsuit, you will want to have an attorney determine whether you have a valid case worth pursuing. If your hernia mesh has injured you or has led to medical complications arising, there is a chance you have a viable reason for filing a lawsuit.

After your lawyer has established you do have a case, they will then consider who you can sue. If your hernia mesh was recalled or caused you to experience adverse effects you were never warned about, you may have a case against the medical device manufacturer. There may be other parties who can also be held financially accountable for the harm the hernia mesh has caused you, and this is something a lawyer will be able to determine.

In addition to deciding whether you have a case and who the liable parties are, below are several of the other ways a lawyer will help you with your hernia mesh lawsuit.

Assess and Value Your Damages

Damages is a legal term that refers to the financial relief an individual receives in a personal injury case. Personal injury law covers a wide array of legal matters, including product liability cases. If your lawsuit is being filed against a medical device manufacturer because there was a defect in your mesh’s design or because it caused you to suffer an injury, your case would be considered a product liability case.

Before your lawsuit is filed, you need to know how much you are seeking in damages. To do this, a lawyer can help you value your injury or condition along with the other losses you suffered. Some of the things you might be entitled to recover compensation for include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earning capacity
• Lost wages
• Mental anguish
• Past and future medical expenses
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Help You Understand Your Legal Rights

When a product manufacturer creates something such as a medical device that contains a defect in design or is harmful to use, the product manufacturer can be held liable for compensating those who are harmed by the product. The company can be held liable because certain laws protect consumers, and a lawyer knows exactly what these laws are.

Therefore, aside from helping you understand the laws that protect you from manufacturers that make and sell harmful products, a lawyer will also help you exercise those rights.

Gather Evidence to Build Your Case

To prove a medical device manufacturer is responsible for the pain you are experiencing or any other complications, per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), that may have arisen as a result of having a hernia mesh implanted isn’t necessarily an easy thing to do.

This is why individuals hire lawyers who can also enlist the help of other professionals, such as medical experts who can assist with gathering the evidence needed to prove the manufacturer was negligent in some way. Gathering evidence takes time and patience. A lawyer will put forth this evidence to help you identify any parties who may be liable for your injury or health issues.

Handle All Legal Matters

From filing paperwork with the court to discussing your case with other parties involved, a lawyer will handle all the legal matters so that you do not have to. And when it comes time to present your case in front of a court, your attorney will be there to help you do this.

In addition to all of this, a lawyer is also going to fight for a fair outcome. After all, this is one of the main reasons people choose to hire a lawyer to represent them in their hernia mesh case.

Loncar Lyon Jenkins Is Ready to Help with Your Hernia Mesh Lawsuit

If you were injured by a hernia mesh or had to undergo an additional medical procedure to correct the damage your mesh caused, it is time you call in the Strong Arm. At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we will assess your case, decide if you have the grounds to file a hernia mesh lawsuit and provide you with the legal representation you will want to have. To receive a free case review and learn more about how we can help you with your hernia mesh lawsuit, contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins at (877) 239-4878.

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There are numerous reasons for these needless complications, but many more serious issues come from mesh migration and shrinkage of the mesh. After so many concerns, complaints, and injuries, FDA allegedly assisted with pulling some of the hernia mesh off the market.

As a government organization, FDA has the unique responsibility of examining all medical products. In the name of public safety, they continuously receive and evaluate reports of dangerous side effects.

Even if they have not gathered sufficient evidence to completely recall a product, they attempt to actively provide correct information to patients. This way, those patients understand the risk of the product before they are exposed to it.

In short, these products pose health risks to the public. As a result, FDA tries to act swiftly to get these products out of circulation once they have proven their hazardous nature. Sadly, they do not always act fast enough. Countless people are still exposed to defective hernia mesh every year. Additionally, the systemic issues that cause these senseless injuries are widespread.

Thankfully, you are within your rights to take legal action to recover the losses you have suffered at the hands of negligent medical practitioners, manufacturers, and governing agencies. A hernia mesh lawsuit lawyer may be able to help you make sense of your legal options.

How Someone Gets a Hernia

Research by the FDA explains that hernias begin as an issue with an intestine, organ, or other similar tissue and become exposed after falling through a weak spot in the nearby tissues or muscles. When this tissue squeezes through the weakened hole, it then protrudes and poses health complications if it is not treated under medical supervision in a timely manner.

In some cases, the breach will occur around the abdomen. If it is significant enough, the hernia can be seen sticking out from the sufferer’s midsection. This is especially true when the victim finds themselves exerting a great deal of energy and straining themselves. The more pressure is forced on the abdomen—causing it to protrude normally—the more likely the hernia is to protrude.

There are other factors that cause hernias, including:

• Being persistently obese
• Eating unhealthy foods
• Working yourself too hard
• Smoking
• Doing narcotics
• And more

The Dangerous Side Effects of Hernia Mesh

When patients are exposed to defective hernia mesh, the side effects can affect numerous areas of their bodies. Research by the FDA shows that some of the common ailments include:

• Blocked up intestines
• Bleeding inside the body
• Fluid build-up at the incision site
• Recurrent hernias
• Unusual connections between internal organs
• Severe and persistent pain
• Penetrating holes in nearby organs
• Difficulty making bowel movements (due to obstruction)
• And more

Work with a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Lawyer

Here at Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we have seen the kinds of long-term effects that come from defective hernia meshes. Even when the product itself is working as it should, the medical professionals who oversaw your procedure may have made some mistakes that forever altered your life.

On occasion, this serious medical malpractice issue can go all the way to medical practice or hospital administration. If you have to ask yourself what the FDA says about hernia mesh, then you may feel more comfortable if you learn more about your legal rights in these types of cases.

Our law firm can be there to assist you during this difficult time, even if you have already recovered from your injuries. We believe in fighting injustice in our healthcare system. This means fighting to help protect your right to compensation every step of the way.

Our team would love to speak with you today so you can get a clearer perspective on your case during your free consultation. For more information, contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins today at (877) 239-4878.

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The amount of compensation you may be awarded will be based on a number of different things as a result of having the hernia mesh implanted during your hernia repair surgery, including:

• The types of medical complications you suffered
• How these complications impacted your life
• What losses you experienced

Damages You Could Pursue with a Hernia Mesh Lawsuit

If you are eligible to seek compensation, you would be awarded this compensation in the form of damages. Damages refers to the financial relief awarded to you for your losses.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering is a type of non-economic damages that is awarded to many who suffered injuries that were caused by someone else’s negligent or careless behavior. If the hernia device manufacturer is found to be liable for causing you to experience adverse effects, you may be awarded compensation for your pain and suffering.

This might be due to the fact that the mesh was defective or contained a harmful material that caused you health complications

Pain and suffering refers to the pain you experienced as a result of the hernia mesh implant and its complications. It includes either mental suffering or physical pain. For example, if you had to undergo a second procedure to repair the damage the hernia mesh caused, this may have been painful.

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a hernia mesh implant can lead to an obstruction of your small or large intestine. This is another form of pain and discomfort that could fall under the category of pain and suffering.

The pain that you experienced is something you can seek compensation for.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are a type of economic damages you may be awarded if you are looking to recover compensation for what you spent (and will spend) on medical care. This includes:

• Visits to the doctor or hospital
• Surgery
• Therapy
• Medical tests
• And more

Because many individuals don’t know that it is their hernia mesh that is causing them to suffer, they may have to undergo various tests and treatments before their physician discovers their mesh is causing the problems.

Unfortunately, all of this treatment can be costly and may have landed you in a bad financial situation. Fortunately, if you can prove the medical device manufacturer was negligent, you may be able to recover what you spent on medical care—and what you anticipate you may have to spend in the future.

Lost Income

Hernia mesh complications have led to patients suffering from a number of different issues, including:

• The development of fistulas
• Obstructions
• Mesh migration
• Hernia recurrence
• Infections
• And more

All of these issues carry potential side effects, some of which might have interfered with your ability to work. For instance, Mayo Clinic notes that an obstruction of the large or small intestine could cause you to experience abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling, constipation, and other symptoms. All of these symptoms may make it difficult for you to work.

If your hernia mesh issues have led to you having to cut back on hours or find a less strenuous job that pays less, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the wages you would have earned had you not experienced the complications.

Mental Anguish

When an individual is experiencing constant pain or cannot find a solution to their medical problems, it can cause them to feel down—and even depressed. Having to undergo various medical treatments or even surgery can take a toll on a person’s mind and body. With that said, if your hernia mesh complications caused you to experience anxiety or depression, this could be included in the value of your case.

In addition to these damages, you may be able to seek several kinds of compensation when you file a hernia mesh lawsuit, including:

• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Transportation costs
• Medical devices

Call in the Strong Arm if Your Hernia Mesh Caused You More Harm than Good

Hernia meshes are meant to repair a hernia, not cause a patient to suffer from other medical conditions that put their life and health at risk. If you suffered an adverse effect from the hernia mesh you had implanted, you can contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins at (877) 239-4878 to find out if you have the grounds to file a hernia mesh lawsuit.

At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we will help you understand your legal rights and fight for a fair outcome.

Keep in mind you may have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit in Texas, according to the statute of limitations that applies to your case. To learn more about our firm and how we can help you start your hernia mesh lawsuit, contact us today.

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• Pain
• Infection
• Scar-like tissue
• Intestinal blockage
• Bleeding
• Fluid build-up
• Organ perforation
• Mesh migration
• Mesh shrinkage
• Hernia recurrence

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), by the year 2000, 90% of hernia repairs involved surgical mesh. In other words, if you undergo hernia surgery, you are likely to receive a mesh implant as a part of the repair. Therefore, mesh usage is fairly routine, meaning when something goes wrong, it’s possible negligence was the cause.

Pain and Scar-Like Tissue

These may sound like typical consequences of surgery. In many cases, that’s true. However, the pain associated with hernia mesh could be intense or chronic. Moreover, depending on your situation, your pain could be a sign of a larger problem.

If you’ve experienced pain for a long time, even years after your procedure, you might decide to seek both medical and legal help. You could determine what complication you’ve suffered and how you may be able to seek compensation for that pain and related medical expenses.

Adhesions

Any abdominal surgery is likely to cause scar-like tissue called adhesions. In fact, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that nine out of ten people who undergo abdominal surgery will experience adhesions. Some hernia patients never experience complications from their mesh.

However, adhesions sometimes live up to their name and adhere to parts of the body that should operate without impediment. Following hernia surgeries, if there was negligence related to the mesh, adhesions can form.

These can lead to serious health issues, such as when:

• Tissue connects the intestines together
• Adhesions connect to organs
• Tissue attaches to the abdominal wall
• Intestines are pulled out of place
• Intestines are blocked by adhesions

Symptoms can include pain and a variety of digestive issues, such as constipation, nausea, or bloating. If you experience any of these after your hernia operation and suspect your surgical mesh led to intestinal adhesion, contact your doctor immediately.

More About Intestinal Complications Due to Hernia Mesh

Adhesions are one cause of intestinal obstruction linked to hernia mesh, but not the only possible cause. Also called bowel or intestinal blockage, obstructions occur when something blocks the small or large intestine, leading to pain, infection, and even organ death.

Bowel blockages can be caused by:

• Adhesions
• Migrated hernia mesh
• Hernia recurrence

If a doctor made an error in implanting the mesh, adhesions can form and block the intestinal tract. Likewise, the mesh itself may move from its original position, causing a blockage. If the mesh fails and your hernia recurs, the hernia could also result in an obstruction.

You’ll notice all of these scenarios are already possible complications on their own, which means intestinal blockage can be an additional complication.

Organ Perforation

The FDA acknowledges that a common hernia mesh complication is organ perforation, the medical term for when an organ develops a hole or tear. The reason for perforation could be that the mesh was improperly implanted, causing it to perforate a nearby organ, and/or the mesh migrated, producing the same result. Defective mesh may also be a culprit for organ perforation following a hernia operation.

Peritonitis and Other Infections

Perforation can cause a specific infection called peritonitis, an inflammation of the lining of the abdominal wall. According to Mayo Clinic, without treatment, peritonitis can be life-threatening.

Other infections can be a complication of hernia mesh operations and can arise from:

• Intestinal blockages
• Surgical errors
• Contaminated equipment
• Defective mesh

When Bad Products Are the Culprit

FDA notes that many hernia mesh complications have resulted from faulty, recalled, and/or black market products. Pain, infection, adhesion, obstruction, and perforation are all listed as possible risks associated with recalled mesh.

If you experienced any of these complications following your hernia surgery and suspect defective hernia mesh was to blame, you may be eligible for compensation through legal action. Healthcare providers have an obligation to uphold your safety and exercise reasonable care, which includes their use of safe medical devices.

Likewise, manufacturers and sellers have a duty to mitigate risks posed by their products. Contact an attorney to learn more if you were the victim of defective hernia mesh.

Your Hernia Mesh Surgery Experience Is Not Routine

Hernia surgery, like all forms of healthcare, is designed to make you feel better by repairing an injury. When that surgery and the devices used contribute to pain, complications, and further injury, you may have grounds for a legal claim. If you have questions about what complications are linked to hernia mesh or suffered from a known complication, call in the Strong Arm.

The team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins wants to hear from you: (877) 239-4878.

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While certain types of hernia mesh have been shown to help prevent a recurrence, you may be less inclined to have your surgeon use the medical device given all the complications many patients have experienced after having the mesh implanted.

Alternatives to Using Surgical Mesh to Repair a Hernia

Although hernia mesh is used in a large percentage of hernia repair surgeries today, the medical device wasn’t always relied on to repair a hernia. In fact, the traditional method that was used by surgeons was referred to as herniorrhaphy.

Herniorrhaphy is when a surgeon sews “the edges of healthy muscle tissue together” with sutures (i.e., stitches). However, this method is often used to repair smaller hernias or those surrounded by healthy tissues that can be rejoined “without adding stress on the tissue.”

Now, there are also two types of surgical procedures a physician can use to repair a hernia both with and without the use of mesh. Below is a brief description of each.

Open Surgery

During open hernia repair surgery, the surgeon will make a cut close to where the hernia is located. He/she will then:

• Locate the hernia and separate it from the tissues that are surrounding it
• Remove the hernia sac and push the bulging tissue back into the abdomen
• Stitch the abdominal muscles back together (at this point, if a surgeon were to use hernia mesh, he/she would sew it over the once weakened area to serve as additional reinforcement to keep it from reopening)
• Close the incision

Laparoscopic Surgery

During this procedure, instead of a surgeon making one cut near the hernia, they will make three to five smaller cuts near the lower part of the stomach. The surgeon will then:

• Insert a laparoscope, which is a medical device, into one of the cuts (the device, which is a scope with a lighted camera on it, will allow the surgeon to see inside the stomach so he/she can locate the hernia)
• Use a harmless gas to expand the space in the stomach, according to MedlinePlus (this way, the surgeon has more room to work)
• Insert additional tools through the other incisions that will help him/her repair the hernia
• Stitch up the weakened area and close the incision with stitches

While there are hernia mesh alternatives, the area where the hernia has occurred and a surgeon’s preference often dictates the approach used to repair the weakened area.

Why Hernia Mesh Alternatives Are Being Considered

Although some surgeons may prefer to use hernia mesh to help repair a hernia, a substantial amount of controversy has developed around mesh use as some types have been linked to serious complications.

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), hernia repairs that involve the use of surgical mesh have been linked to the following adverse effects:

• Pain
• Infections
• Scar-like tissue that sticks together (also known as adhesion, which Harvard Health Publishingsays can cause the small bowel to become blocked
• The hernia may recur rather than heal
• Bowel obstruction (when there is a blockage in the intestines that prevents waste from traveling through them and into the digestive tract)

Because there have been so many issues stemming from hernia mesh use, some types have been recalled. FDA says that most of the complaints it received are associated with medical devices that have already been recalled or removed from the market. Those products were closely linked to bowel perforation and obstruction complications, according to FDA.

Call in the Strong Arm if Your Hernia Mesh Has Led to Complications

Regardless of whether you had your hernia mesh recently implanted or it was years ago, you may have a valid case against the hernia mesh manufacturer that might entitle you to recover compensation. When a medical device such as hernia mesh is recalled, it means there is something wrong with the product and it is not safe for consumer use.

There could be an issue with the design of the product, or it may contain a harmful ingredient consumers were unaware was in it. When a company creates a dangerous product and individuals become harmed as a result of using it for its intended purpose, the company can be held financially liable for their suffering.

If you were harmed by hernia mesh and would like to find out if you are entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and more, contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins at (877) 239-4878.

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In fatal cases, the cause could be:

• Bowel or intestinal obstruction
• Organ perforation
• Internal bleeding
• Infection

A combination of these factors may cause some hernia mesh deaths. However, if the procedure or the mesh itself caused the wrongful death, a loved one of the patient may be eligible for compensation through legal action.

What Surgical Mesh Should Do

Weakness in muscles or connective tissue around an organ or other body part causes a hernia. Those muscles or connective tissue are supposed to keep everything in place. When they fail, an organ, fatty tissue, or other body part in the area can move or protrude, causing pain and limiting movement.

When surgery repairs a hernia, mesh strengthens and supports that area while it heals. Mesh can be synthetic or made from animal tissue and can be absorbed by the body over time or remain permanent, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Patients Have Several Options for Surgical Hernia Repairs

As American Society of Anesthesiologists explains, there are various types of hernias, including inguinal hernia, femoral hernias, hiatal hernias, and ventral hernias. This means the treatment for a hernia will depend on its type and other factors. People who require surgical repairs for hernias have two main options: a laparoscopic repair or an open hernia repair.

During laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon makes tiny incisions to the patient’s abdomen before a medical professional inserts a laparoscope connected to a small camera through an incision to make the repair. They can also use mesh to close the abdominal wall and make it stronger. This approach is considered to be minimally invasive and less painful after surgery. Per the Cleveland Clinic, it can also help patients recover in days instead of weeks.

If a patient has open hernia surgery, a surgeon can cut into the patient’s groin area to see and repair the hernia. They can either use stitches only or stitches and mesh to close the abdominal wall. If they use mesh, the aim is to strengthen the area in the abdomen that is weakened after a hernia operation. 

Both surgical repairs can come with a risk of complications, so patients should consider their medical history and discuss the surgical approach that is right for them with a doctor.

Hernia Repair Complications Can Be Deadly

Some hernia patients who have surgery could experience chronic pain, recurrent hernias after surgery.  Hernia surgery can present potential complications, and several could be fatal. Among them are:

Bowel Obstruction

Sometimes, hernia mesh complications lead to a blockage in the intestines, called an obstruction. This can be caused by:

• Mesh migration: Movement from where the mesh was originally implanted, obstructing the bowels
• Surgical errors: Improper implantation of the mesh leading to a blockage
• Adhesions: Scar-like tissue that causes the intestine to attach to itself or other tissue

 Some obstructions become so severe that blood flow is cut off from the intestines. According to Mayo Clinic, the consequence of this could be tissue death (when the wall of the intestine dies due to lack of blood supply). This tissue death can then cause further, life-threatening complications, including perforation and infection.

Peritonitis

One specific infection brought on by intestinal blockage is peritonitis. This occurs when the abdominal membrane, the peritoneum, becomes inflamed. This infection can quickly become life-threatening without treatment and requires prompt medical attention. Symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, fever, nausea, and digestive problems.

Organ Perforation

When hernia mesh is improperly implanted or migrates, it can cause a perforation, a tear, or hole in an organ or tissue. The affected area will depend on where the hernia was located but could include:

• Intestines
• Abdominal wall
• Colon
• Bladder
• Blood vessels

Perforation can lead to peritonitis, as mentioned above, as well as other infections and internal bleeding. After all, it is caused when the hernia mesh is not where it is supposed to be.

Bowel Perforation and Sepsis

A perforated bowel—holes in the small or large intestine or colon—can be especially dangerous, as they can spill waste into other areas of the body. The greatest consequence is death due to sepsis. Sepsis is caused by an existing infection that then leads to a “chain reaction,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Left untreated, sepsis can damage tissue, cause organ failure, and claim a life.

Infections

Peritonitis is not the only infection that may accompany a hernia repair surgery. In fact, a study from The Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, Part A pointed to infection as “one of the most challenging complications of this operation.” The hernia mesh itself can become infected during these procedures, requiring another surgery to remove the infected mesh and reconstruct a patient’s abdominal wall, “with variable success rates.”

Staph Infections

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are particularly prone to staph infections, with CDC reporting almost 20,000 deaths in 2017 caused by them. Specific risk factors include: 

• Undergoing surgery
• Staying in a healthcare facility
• Implanting a medical device in the body

You undoubtedly recognize that all of those are part of complications after hernia surgery. If a staph infection is not treated in time or is resistant to treatment, sepsis and death can result. 

Medical Negligence Can Cause Hernia Mesh Complications

Infections, perforations, or obstructions not detected in time or cause additional complications—such as tissue death or widespread sepsis—can, unfortunately, cost a hernia mesh patient their life. If you lost a loved one from infected mesh or a connected complication, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit, especially if the death was caused by: 

• Negligent health care workers
• Failure to detect the problem
• Mesh defects
• Unsterile equipment or conditions

Contact a legal professional if you suspect any of these factors caused your loss.

Your Loss Matters to Us – Call Us Today About Hernia Surgery Complications

At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we understand the shock and disbelief that accompanies the loss of a loved one following what should have been a routine procedure. A family member could have died from hernia mesh complications, but the true cause may have been product defects, surgical errors, or other negligence.

If that’s the case, you can pursue damages through a civil suit. Call in the Strong Arm today, and we can work by your side.

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