Every year, more than one million hernia repair surgeries take place in the United States, and the vast majority involve surgical mesh. This woven material is implanted to reinforce weakened tissue and prevent hernias from returning. For many patients, these devices work as intended. But for others, hernia mesh has become the source of debilitating complications that far outlast the original condition.
Thousands of patients have filed lawsuits against hernia mesh manufacturers, alleging that they have suffered serious injuries due to these defective products. If you have experienced complications caused by hernia mesh, you’re not alone. Seeking help from a hernia mesh lawyer after suffering injuries can protect your legal rights.
Chronic Pain
Pain after surgery is expected, but it should fade as your body heals. For some hernia mesh patients, however, the pain never goes away. Chronic pain can develop when mesh damages the surrounding nerves, causes inflammation, or shrinks and pulls against tissue over time. You might feel a constant ache, sharp stabbing sensations, or burning that radiates through your abdomen or groin.
This kind of persistent discomfort can make it difficult to work, exercise, or even perform simple daily tasks. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), chronic pain severe enough to impact quality of life occurs in up to 3.8% of hernia mesh patients.
Infections
Bacteria can colonize the hernia mesh during or after surgery, creating infections that are notoriously difficult to treat with antibiotics alone. Symptoms include fever, redness, swelling, and discharge at the surgical site. Antibiotics can help, but in severe cases, the only way to resolve a mesh infection is through surgery. The FDA reports that surgical site infections occur in up to 21% of cases, while mesh-specific infections occur in up to 1.4%.
Adhesion
Adhesions form when scar tissue causes your mesh to bind abnormally to surrounding organs and tissues. This unintended attachment can lead to chronic pain, digestive dysfunction, and restricted organ movement. Mesh bowel adhesion occurs in up to 3.2% of cases.
Hernia Recurrence
The entire purpose of hernia mesh is to prevent your hernia from coming back—yet for some patients, that’s exactly what happens. Recurrence can occur when the mesh fails to integrate properly with your tissue, migrates from its original placement, or deteriorates over time. When your hernia returns, you often face another surgery with compounded risks and a longer recovery period. FDA data shows recurrence rates ranging from 0% to 11.1%.
Bowel Obstruction
When hernia mesh migrates or adheres to the intestines, it can create a blockage that prevents food and waste from passing through your digestive system. Bowel obstruction causes severe abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to pass gas or have bowel movements. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention. The FDA reports bowel obstruction incidence at up to 3.8% of cases.
Find Out If You Have a Hernia Mesh Injury Claim
Hernia mesh was supposed to repair your hernia and help you return to normal life. Instead, you may be living with complications that have made your situation far worse than the original condition. If you are suffering from hernia mesh complications, Estey & Bomberger, LLP can help you seek justice.
Hernia mesh manufacturers should be held accountable for the harm their products have caused. By filing a lawsuit, you can recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Contact Estey & Bomberger, LLP at (800) 260-7197 to get started today.