Hernia mesh is a small patch that surgeons sew directly into abdominal wall tissue to repair ventral hernias. Filaments are woven into a patch, then given a sterile coating designed to prevent it from sticking to internal tissue. During ventral hernia repair, a surgeon pushes bulging internal organs or tissue back into place. They then suture any thin or torn spots along the abdominal wall shut. Finally, the surgeon sews a hernia mesh patch into place to reinforce weakened muscle tissue.
Most hernia mesh contains polypropylene, a plastic filament that companies also use to make fishing line. Unfortunately, recent studies show about 1 in 20 (5%) hernia patients will need more surgery after that initial repair. Why? Because that person’s hernia might come back, or they may have issues that require mesh removal afterwards. For example: Some people experience chronic pain after surgery because their bodies try to reject the hernia mesh patch. Others suffer from serious infections after repair, which can then become septic.
It’s not surprising that TVM (pelvic mesh) and hernia mesh patients report strikingly similar injuries. By fall 2016, Johnson & Johnson subsidiary company Ethicon faced 53,400 pelvic mesh injury lawsuits. In spring 2019, the FDA banned all transvaginal mesh sales nationwide. At this time, TVM settlements paid to thousands of injured women are rapidly approaching $8 billion. So, if patches made from the same material are too dangerous for TVM use, what about abdominal hernia repairs?
The FDA now classifies hernia mesh as a “class 2 medical device,” meaning they know it poses certain health risks. Only time (and litigation outcomes) will tell whether this mesh remains the “gold standard” for hernia repairs in the future.
Hernia mesh makers failed to warn patients about potential risks for bowel adhesions, abscesses, fistulas, chronic pain and repeat surgeries. With each new recurrence or mesh replacement surgery, patients increase their risk for life-threatening complications, such as organ perforation. If you or a loved one suffered health problems after undergoing hernia repair with any mesh device, fill out the form below now to see if you may qualify for compensation.
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Because hernia mesh makers failed to warn consumers about potential dangers from these implants, injured patients may qualify for compensation. If you or a loved one suffered serious health issues after hernia repair with a mesh implant, you may be entitled to a cash settlement. To seek the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries, fill out the form on this page and start your free online case evaluation today.