There are currently lawsuits filed and being filed on behalf of patients injured by hernia mesh implants. These lawsuits allege that hernia mesh can cause such adverse reactions as organ damage perforation, bowel obstruction, infection, and hernia recurrence. Furthermore, the lawsuits allege that the makers of these hernia mesh implants failed to adequately research these implants, failed to investigate claims of problems, designed and sold defective and dangerous products, and failed to warn doctors and patients of the risks of the products.
About Hernias & Hernia Complications
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through the wall of the encasing muscle or connective tissue as the result of pressure and/or weakness in the tissue or muscle. Hernias most often appear in the groin or abdomen. Approximately 1 million hernia repairs are performed in the U. S. annually, either laparoscopically or open repair. These surgeries use either sutures (stitches) or surgical mesh to repair the hernia. Surgical mesh is used in hernia repair because it strengthens the weakened or torn tissue or muscle. Some studies have shown it lessens the chance of reoccurrence of the hernia. However, the use of surgical mesh has its own set of risks, including:
- Infection
- Bowel obstruction
- Urinary problems
- Allergic reactions
- Adhesion
- Blockage of large or small intention
- Mesh migration or erosion
- Mesh shrinkage
- Hernia recurrence
The FDA issued recalls of several mesh products between 2004 and 2007, including Bard’s Khugel Hernia Mesh, which is still the focus of many personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. However, new lawsuits have emerged over recent years as complications continue to be linked to the use of certain hernia mesh products.
Ethicon’s Physiomesh
In May of 2016, Ethicon, owned by Johnson & Johnson, recalled all of its surgical mesh product, Physiomesh, in Europe and Australia. It simultaneously issued a “market withdrawal” in the U.S. Studies from Germany and Denmark showed higher rates of hernia recurrence and reoperation than similar mesh patches. The thick coating used on the Physiomesh product caused complications for patients, as it failed to adhere to the abdominal wall. While the product is not currently being used, Physiomesh patients should be monitored by their physicians for complications.
Atrium C-Qur Hernia Mesh & Other Surgical Mesh Products
This hernia surgical mesh is coated with omega-3 fatty acid. Patients have reported allergic reactions, infections, tissue damage, bowel damage and adhesions requiring surgery. Removal of the Atrium C-Qur mesh is complicated and can cause additional injury to the patient.
Additional surgical mesh products are involved in lawsuits, including:
- Alloderm Regenerative
- Bard’s Ventralex ST Hernia Mesh
- Bard’s PerFix Flug
- Medtronic’s Parietex Composite Mesh
- Medtronics Surgipro
If you or a family member suffered serious health problems from a hernia mesh medical device, please contact an attorney. Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC is a Kentucky personal injury law firm and we are here to help guide you through the legal process associated with product liability and help you determine if you are entitled to financial compensation for your suffering.
Contact us for a free consultation about your complications from surgical hernia mesh.