There are numerous health complications associated with defective hernia mesh implants. We have seen it all. Here are some things to watch out for as some of these cause extreme pain and discomfort. But first, let’s take it from the top….
What Is A Hernia?
A hernia is a weakness or tear located near or in the abdominal muscle wall. That tear results in an uncomfortable and painful bulge that could typically be seen in the groin area. That bulge out of an abdominal wall tear is commonly a loop of intestine that is coming out of the abdominal wall’s tear. It’s hard to avoid a hernia as there are some people who are naturally born with weak muscles.
It is a very serious condition that grows worse the longer it is let to sit. As such, people should immediately seek medical attention upon feeling that bulge. Patients who don’t seek immediate medical attention may eventually experience the following hernia symptoms:
- The Bulge No Longer Moves Back When Gently Pushed
- Other Complications Such As Fever, Nausea, And Vomiting Start To Occur
- The Bulge Turns Into A Shade Of Red, Purple Or Dark Blue
- The Pain Becomes Too Severe
Hernia Mesh Complications Symptoms
People who have undergone mesh treatment for a hernia may not immediately experience complications after surgery. Hernia mesh pain after surgery is very common. It could even take years before some of the symptoms appear and there are a few things that people should watch out for if they underwent this controversial treatment.
That said, hernia mesh fails. When it does, people can experience a range of problems. The hernia mesh complications symptoms below have come from patients who are experiencing them.
- Pain In The Abdominal Area Or Where The Hernia Mesh Is Located Chills, fever, and nausea as the body combats the complications from within
- In Most Cases, There Is Swelling And Inflammation Around the Incision
- People Also Experience Fistula Formation, Which Is An Abnormal Formation That Occurs Between Two Organs. This Can Cause Pain, Discomfort, And Inflammation.
- Patients Also Experience Chronic Pain
There are other common hernia mesh side effects. Some common side effects plaintiffs allege in hernia mesh lawsuits include:
Hernia recurrence
When a hernia repair surgery or the hernia mesh fails and the hernia reappears, this is called a recurrent hernia. This condition is seen as a bulge near the site of the original hernia and can be painful. If the intestines protrude into the hernia there will be serious health issues. These include:
- Infections
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss Of Blood In The Intestines
Hernia Mesh Rejection
Some patients negatively react to hernia mesh. Their immune system recognizes the mesh as a harmful foreign object and attacks it. If the mesh implant isn’t accepted by the body it will have to be removed by a surgeon to avoid serious injuries and complications.
Hernia Mesh Migration
In some cases, the hernia mesh implant may have been poorly placed and secured. This will cause the implant to gradually move away from its original location and towards other body parts. The movement of the mesh can cause serious issues to wherever it migrates. Hernia mesh migration also leaves the original location of where the mesh is supposed to be exposed and vulnerable.
Adhesion
Adhesion is a common surgery complication occurring in patients who have abdominal or pelvic surgery. The condition is characterized by scar-like tissue around the site of the implant that joins together two parts of tissue or organs. Adhesion develops as the body repairs itself. Issues arise when nerves are pulled within an organ that is tied down. Symptoms of adhesions include:
- Severe Abdominal Pain
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Constipation
- Bloating
Bowel Obstruction
This condition develops when there is blockage of the large or small intestine. The blockage can be full or partial. Full obstruction may make passing stool or gas impossible while partial obstruction causes diarrhea. Bowel obstruction makes it extremely difficult for food and liquid to pass through the digestive system. If a person’s bowel becomes blocked, he or she will have to visit the hospital for treatment.
Bowel Perforation
The hernia mesh implant could puncture the lining of the colon or small intestine. This could result in colon surgery or serious bowel disease. At times the mesh may move and puncture the colon. The colon then leaks and can cause harmful infections. That can spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment for bowel perforation is considered a medical emergency and patients must undergo immediate surgery. Symptoms of bowel perforation include:
- Abdominal Pain
- Bloating
- Infection
- Rectal Bleeding
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Fever & Fatigue
What Should Patients Do Next?
One of the obvious things a patient should do upon experiencing hernia mesh pain after surgery or years after is to head to a doctor immediately. In many cases, patients have surgery to remove the hernia mesh, but there are other treatments as well.
If left untreated, hernia mesh problems years later could result in other more pressing matters. Some of the possible long-term side effects of the issue include bowel obstruction, tissue damage, mesh infection, mesh adhesion with other organs, severe pain, and more. The matter could even become fatal, especially if the infection reaches critical levels.
Aside from seeking immediate medical attention, patients who are experiencing hernia mesh pain should also seek legal assistance. The number of patients filing for mass tort or class action lawsuits against providers of treatment and manufacturers of defective mesh implants is increasing nationwide. Patients have every right to seek just compensation as the mesh issue is a very serious matter.
Hernia Mesh Compensation
Since this is a patient’s life and well-being at stake, it is very apparent that lawsuits are necessary. Patients can seek compensation for damages. These include:
- The Medical Bills Spent On The Surgery Itself. Patients Can Also Seek Compensation For The Medical Bills Incurred While They Are Trying To Rid Themselves Of The Complication. It Is Not Just The Surgery They Could Be Compensated For, They Could Also Seek Compensation For The Hospitalization And Medications.
- Often times a third party like Medicare or Medicaid paid for the expenses. Accordingly, there is a lien resolution process after settlement or trial to be sure these entities are reimbursed.
- Since The Pain Caused By The Hernia Mesh Is Excruciating, Patients Could Be Compensated For Any Damages Associated With The Physical, Mental And Emotional Toll Caused By The Condition.
- The Pain Caused By Defective Hernia Mesh Is Very Impactful On A Person’s Life. In Some Cases, They Could Miss Work Due To The Various Serious Conditions That Come With A Failed Mesh. That Being Said, Patients Could Ask For Compensation On Lost Wages That Occurred Before And After Medical Attention Was Given.
Most of these cases resolve via a settlement. That amount is intended to cover all these expenses, at times, without consideration of the bills or economic loss; an offer is made and extinguishes everything.
Is A Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Necessary?
We can’t say whether filing a lawsuit is necessary per say. Some resolve without lawsuits. Most of the ones we handle are filed lawsuits. People can file lawsuits without attorneys, which comes with the benefit of some savings, but also significant risks. One is the statute of limitations – the time by which you have to file a lawsuit. Another risk is the burden of proof – having sufficient evidence the company failed to warn about known or knowable risks, or that the mesh was defective.
Patients should immediately seek medical and legal help upon experiencing any of the symptoms. The problem will be best resolved if it is handled as soon as possible. The hernia mesh issue is a serious matter that people should never overlook. The damages that failed meshes incurs has drastic effects on the lives of the victims and as such, just compensation if fair.
Contact An Experienced Hernia Mesh Lawyer
The personal injury law firm, KBA Attorneys provides professional legal representation to victims of defective hernia mesh injuries. Our knowledgeable product liability lawyers have direct experience in handling cases involving failed hernia mesh devices. We understand what it takes to hold the manufacturers of these defective medical devices accountable for their products. If you or a loved one has experienced injuries as a result of harmful hernia mesh, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to file for compensation. Call KBA Attorneys today.
References
- FDA. “Hernia Surgical Mesh Implants“, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/implantsandprosthetics/herniasurgicalmesh/default.htm. Accessed March 29, 2019.
- WebMD. “What Is a Bowel Obstruction?“, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-is-bowel-obstruction#1. Accessed March 29, 2019.
- Lana Burgess. “Causes and treatment of gastrointestinal perforation“, Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322008.php. Accessed March 29, 2019.
- Medline Plus. “Adhesions“, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://medlineplus.gov/adhesions.html. Accessed March 29, 2019.
- Dr. Andrew T. Bates. “FAQs about Mesh in Hernia Repairs — What Patients Need to Know“, Stony Brook Medicine, https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/hernia/resources/faqs-about-mesh-in-hernia-repairs. Accessed March 29, 2019.