Common Hernia Mesh Complications [2024 Guide]

The Use of Surgical Mesh in Hernia Repair Surgery

Surgical mesh has become a widely used technique in laparoscopic hernia repair surgeries due to its effectiveness in reducing the risk of hernia recurrence.

Unlike traditional incisional hernia repair that relies solely on sutures to close the defect, surgical mesh provides additional support to the weakened or damaged tissue of the abdominal wall.

The mesh, in turn, strengthens the repair and reduces the likelihood of hernia recurrence.

This is particularly beneficial in cases where the hernia is large or where there is a high risk of recurrence, like in a ventral hernia repair.

Surgical mesh also offers several advantages over traditional hernia repair techniques.

Mesh allows for minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopic surgery, which result in smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and quicker recovery times for patients.

Besides facilitating less-invasive surgical repair, surgical mesh can be tailored to fit the specific size and shape of the hernia defect, providing a customized solution for each patient.

The use of surgical mesh in hernia repair surgeries has revolutionized the field, offering improved outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing hernia repair procedures.

The Different Complications Arising From Hernia Mesh Repair

Hernia mesh surgery, while intended to alleviate hernia-related issues, can unfortunately lead to a range of postoperative complications that significantly impact your health and daily life.

These complications may arise due to various factors, including the type of mesh used, surgical technique, and individual patient factors.

For many, the reason is defective surgical mesh.

Common hernia mesh complications patients have experienced include:

• Infection
• Hernia mesh rejection
• Hernia mesh adhesion
• Mesh migration and erosion

Infection

One of the most concerning complications associated with hernia mesh is hernia mesh infection.

Infections can occur when bacteria enter the surgical site, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and fever.

These infections can be particularly problematic as they may require immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications.

Antibiotics may be sufficient to treat the infection, but in more severe cases, surgical removal of the mesh may be necessary to fully address the issue and prevent the infection from spreading.

Hernia Mesh Rejection

Another complication that can arise after hernia mesh surgery is rejection of the mesh by your body.

Despite being made from materials designed to be biocompatible, there is still a risk that your body may perceive the mesh as a foreign object and mount an immune response against it.

This immune response can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and fluid buildup around the mesh, causing significant pain and discomfort.

Treatment for mesh rejection typically involves managing symptoms with anti-inflammatory medications.

In severe cases where symptoms persist or worsen, surgical removal of the mesh may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.

Hernia Mesh Adhesion

Adhesion occurs when scar tissue forms around the mesh, binding nearby organs or connective tissue together.

This can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, as well as potential complications such as intestinal obstructions.

Adhesions can develop over time as part of the body’s natural healing process, but they can also be exacerbated by factors such as infection or improper surgical technique.

Treatment for adhesion-related issues may involve surgical intervention to remove the adhesions and alleviate symptoms.

Surgery carries its own risks, and in some cases, adhesions may reform even after surgical removal.

Mesh Migration and Erosion

Mesh migration and erosion are also potential complications of hernia mesh surgery.

Mesh migration occurs when the implant moves from its original placement site to another location within the body.

This can lead to complications such as organ perforation or bowel obstruction.

Mesh erosion, on the other hand, occurs when the mesh material breaks down and erodes through surrounding tissues.

This can cause significant pain and discomfort and may require surgical intervention to repair the damage and prevent further complications.

Impact of Hernia Mesh Complications

Complications arising from hernia mesh surgeries can have a profound impact on your overall well-being and quality of life.

Chronic pain, discomfort, and limitations in daily activities are common experiences for individuals who have encountered complications with their hernia mesh implants.

Chronic Pain and Discomfort

Persistent pain, often described as sharp or stabbing, can significantly disrupt your daily activities and reduce your quality of life.

This discomfort may be exacerbated by movement, physical exertion, or even simple tasks like sitting or standing for extended periods.

Impaired Daily Functioning

Complications from hernia mesh can restrict your ability to perform routine tasks such as bending, lifting, or engaging in physical activities.

Impaired mobility and discomfort may interfere with your ability to work, engage in recreational activities, or care for yourself and your family.

Psychological Effects

Dealing with ongoing health issues and chronic pain can take a toll on your mental well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression.

Coping with the uncertainty of your condition and the impact it has on your life can be emotionally challenging, affecting your overall mental health and resilience.

Treatment Options for Hernia Mesh Complications

When complications arise from hernia mesh surgeries, exploring treatment options is crucial to alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Depending on the nature and severity of the complications, your physician may consider various treatment modalities after your hernia mesh procedure.

Additional Surgery

In cases where complications such as infection, adhesion, or mesh migration require intervention, additional surgical procedures may be necessary.

These procedures aim to address the underlying issues, such as removing infected or damaged mesh, repairing tissue, or addressing complications such as bowel obstructions caused by adhesions.

Pain Management

Hernia mesh complications are bound to come with severe pain.

Often, pain will be chronic, lasting more than six months.

Chronic pain resulting from hernia mesh complications can significantly impact your daily life.

Pain management therapies, including medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and other non-invasive interventions, may be recommended to help alleviate discomfort and improve your ability to function.

Long-Term Care

For individuals experiencing ongoing complications from hernia mesh, long-term medical care may be necessary to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.

This may include regular monitoring by healthcare professionals, follow-up appointments, and ongoing medical interventions as needed to address any new or persistent issues.

Legal Implications of Hernia Mesh Complications

The complications arising from surgical meshes have affected thousands of patients.

More than 25,000 hernia mesh lawsuits have been filed against several manufacturers.

The common injuries reported by hernia mesh victims include chronic pain, infections, bowel obstruction, and mesh migration, often requiring additional surgeries to correct these issues.

These adverse effects have prompted numerous patients to resort to legal action.

Allegations Against Hernia Mesh Companies

Hernia mesh lawsuits filed by patients often center around several critical allegations against the manufacturers.

These allegations highlight the severe impacts of defective hernia mesh products and the responsibility of manufacturers in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of their medical devices.

Severe impacts can include:

• Failure to Adequately Test the Mesh: One of the primary allegations against hernia mesh manufacturers is that they did not properly test their products before bringing them to market. Adequate testing is crucial to identify potential risks and ensure that the product is safe for use. Plaintiffs claim that manufacturers rushed their products to market without conducting sufficient clinical trials or long-term studies, leading to unforeseen complications and injuries.
• Defective Product Design: Many hernia mesh lawsuits argue that the products were defectively designed. This means that the design of the mesh itself was flawed, leading to complications such as mesh erosion, migration, and adhesion to internal organs. These design defects can result in severe pain, infections, and the need for additional surgeries to remove or replace the faulty mesh.
• Failure To Warn of Potential Risks: The manufacturers named in the lawsuits are also accused of failing to provide adequate warnings about the potential risks associated with their hernia mesh products. This includes not sufficiently informing both patients and healthcare providers about the likelihood of complications such as chronic pain, infections, and bowel obstructions. Without proper warnings, patients and doctors could not make fully informed decisions about whether to use these products, leading to unexpected and harmful outcomes.

Overview of the Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

Over 25,000 lawsuits and hernia mesh claims have been filed against numerous manufacturers.

Due to the sheer volume of these lawsuits, they have been consolidated into several multidistrict litigations.

Each of these lawsuits targets a different manufacturer.

Several companies named in the lawsuits and the MDLs filed against them includes:

• Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson): The Ethicon Physiomesh MDL (MDL-2782) is centralized in the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, targeting issues with Ethicon’s Physiomesh and Proceed products.
• Covidien (Medtronic): The Covidien Hernia Mesh MDL (MDL-3029) is centralized in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, addressing allegations related to Covidien’s Parietex mesh.
• Atrium Medical: The Atrium Hernia Mesh MDL (MDL-2753) is centralized in the US District Court for the District of New Hampshire, dealing with complications from Atrium’s C-Qur mesh.
• C.R. Bard: The Bard Hernia Mesh MDL (MDL-2846) is centralized in the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, focusing on products like the Kugel mesh, which have been associated with complications like bowel perforations and chronic pain.

Notable Verdicts in the Hernia Mesh Lawsuits

While thousands of hernia mesh lawsuits are still pending, many claims have already been resolved through settlements.

In December 2023, a confidential settlement resolved over 200 individual hernia mesh claims in the Ethicon Hernia Mesh MDL.

Bellwether trials, which are test cases that help predict trends in settlements and jury verdicts, have also resulted in different verdicts.

Verdicts include:

• In the C.R. Bard Hernia Mesh MDL, one bellwether trial awarded a plaintiff $4.8 million for significant damages, including pain, suffering, and medical costs due to mesh-related complications.
• Another trial in the same MDL resulted in a $500,000 verdict, demonstrating the varied outcomes based on individual case specifics and injuries.

Hernia Mesh Settlement Amounts

While settlement amounts can vary depending on individual circumstances, hernia mesh attorneys estimate that the average hernia mesh payout ranges between $50,000 to over $200,000.

These projected settlement amounts are not guarantees of compensation.

Whether you receive these amounts will depend on several factors like the severity of your complications and, most importantly, the strength of your case.

TorHoerman Law: Your Hernia Mesh Attorneys

Hernia mesh complications have led to numerous lawsuits against major manufacturers for failing to properly test their products and warn patients of the associated risks.

These cases have been consolidated into MDLs to streamline the legal process and address the widespread issues efficiently.

If you have suffered from hernia mesh complications, don’t delay.

Seek legal advice to understand your rights and potential for compensation.

Our hernia mesh attorneys are here to help you get fairly compensated for your injuries, losses, and pain and suffering.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the hernia mesh lawsuits instantly.