When it comes to treating a hernia, mesh implants are an option. But while using mesh to treat hernia was associated with a lower risk of occurrence over five years, the long term risks for complications related to mesh implants may offset that risk. These complications can be quite painful and have lead to lawsuits around the world.
The leading cause of the pain is the body rejecting the hernia mesh. If you’ve had surgery to correct a hernia, you should be aware of these symptoms of surgery mesh rejection. The most common symptoms include:
- Debilitation abdominal pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms
- Chronic pain
- Redness and inflammation at the incision site
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fistula formation
Rejection is not the only complication that patients who have undergone surgeries using mesh to repair a hernia have developed. Some of the other complications include:
Bowel Obstruction
Bowel obstruction can occur when an initial hernia or a recurrence of the corrected hernia blocks the contents of the intestines from moving through the digestive tract regularly. The blockage can occur anywhere in the small intestines, large intestines, or colon.
Adhesions
Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that have become stuck together. When these adhesions forms, organs can stick together. These adhesions can also lead to bowel obstructions.
Mesh Migration or Shrinkage
Sometimes, patients have found that the mesh used to fix the hernia may shrink, causing it to perforate or become stuck in tissue. Other times, the mesh has migrated to other organs, becoming stuck and sometimes, causing a fistula, which is an abnormal connection between two organs. Often, the patient will require both a procedure to correct the problem with the tissue and then a second surgery to remove the mesh.
Complications may be more common than not. As of April 2019, 4,705 lawsuits were pending against the manufacturers of hernia mesh manufacturers. The manufacturers involved in these lawsuits include Ethicon, Atrium, and Bard Davol. Most of the people who have filed lawsuits have suffered complications so severe that they have had to undergo subsequent surgeries to correct the problem. Sometimes even this wasn’t enough.
Damages
How severe the injuries are and how they have impacted a person’s life are prime factors in determining the value of a claim. Patients can seek compensation for many types of damages. These damages can include current and future medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and permanent disabilities.
If you have had a complication related to a hernia mesh procedure, it is best to contact a skilled attorney familiar with these kinds of claims. They will be able to explain to you the value of your claim and make sure that you have a good claim against the manufacturers of hernia mesh.