The symptoms of hernia mesh complications are varied because the complications themselves are so varied; some may be harmless, while others can be life-threatening.
Adhesion Due to Hernia Mesh
Adhesion is when scar tissue forms between internal organs, often the small intestines. Adhesion is often the result of surgery, and it prevents the organs from moving around freely in the body.
Symptoms of Adhesions Due to Hernia Mesh
According to Cleveland Clinic, adhesions can be symptomless and harmless. However, sometimes, if the scar tissue is too great or in the wrong place, it can cause the intestines to twist. Adhesions are responsible for the majority of small bowel obstructions.
Adhesions can also cause adhesion-related disorder or ARD. Symptoms of this condition include the following:
- Cramps and chronic pain in the abdomen
- Inability to pass gas
- Infertility
- Difficulty and pain passing waste
- Pain during movement or in certain positions
Treatment of Adhesions Due To Hernia Mesh
Unfortunately, surgery to treat adhesions often results in even more adhesions and scar tissue. Your doctor may recommend that you leave it be, but if the adhesions cause great pain or lead to other complications, you may need further surgery.
Bowel Obstruction Due to Hernia Mesh
According to Mayo Clinic, “intestinal obstruction is a blockage that keeps food or liquid from passing through your small intestine or large intestine (colon).” This is often caused by adhesion.
Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction Due to Hernia Mesh
Symptoms of bowel obstruction include the following.
- Inability to pass gas
- Inability to have a bowel movement
- Constipation
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Treatment of Bowel Obstruction Due to Hernia Mesh
Not only are bowel obstructions painful, but they can also be dangerous. The blocked portion may not get enough blood, causing the tissue to die. This dead tissue may make that part of the intestine susceptible to tears or perforation.
This perforation can cause life-threatening infections. Because of these dangers, you may need surgery to fix the obstruction and remove any dead tissue.
Perforation and Infection Due to Hernia Mesh
Perforation is when there is a tear in the intestinal lining. This tear can cause peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal cavity, according to Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of Perforation and Infection Due to Hernia Mesh
Symptoms of peritonitis caused by perforation include the following:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to have bowel movements or pass gas
- Loss of appetite
- Thirst
- Little urine output
Treatment of Perforation and Infection Due to Hernia Mesh
If you have these symptoms, then you need to seek medical attention immediately to fight the infection. Otherwise, the infection could spread to other parts of the body, causing life-threatening sepsis. Treatments include antibiotics and surgery to remove infected tissues.
Hernia Recurrence Due to Hernia Mesh
While surgeons often use surgical mesh to reduce the chance of recurrence, defective mesh can actually serve to do the opposite. Faulty hernia mesh can impede the healing process, making it more likely for the hernia to recur.
Symptoms of Hernia Recurrence Due to Hernia Mesh
According to Healthline, symptoms of hernias include the following:
- Bulge or lump—this bump can be painful, and in the case of a strangulated hernia, can become discolored
- Pain when coughing or bending over
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Sudden, severe pain
The more severe symptoms can be a sign of a strangulated or incarcerated hernia. These complications can result in bowel obstruction, tissue death, and infection—and require immediate surgery.
Treatment of Hernia Recurrence Due to Hernia Mesh
Treatment for a hernia recurrence often means another surgery. Open hernia repair is generally less likely to cause another recurrence than laparoscopic surgery, but it also comes with the risk of more scar tissue and potential adhesion complications. Your doctor can discuss the best options for treatment in your specific situation.
Call in the Strong Arm to Fight for You
If you or someone you love was injured due to hernia mesh complications, then you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more about the symptoms of hernia mesh complications and to receive your free case evaluation, call in the Strong Arm of Loncar Lyon Jenkins today at (877) 239-4878.
