Is Surgical Hernia Mesh Safe?

A hernia in any part of your body can cause visible bulges and invisible pain. Patients suffering from the pain of a hernia look for fast, reliable relief. They turn to their doctors and surgeons who in turn look to drug and medical device manufacturers for the products they rely on to alleviate the suffering of their patients.

Hundreds of thousands of hernia repair surgeries take place annually in the United States. Many of these surgeries use mesh to treat this painful condition. Surgical mesh is intended to support the herniated muscles and tissues, bringing much needed relief to the patient. Rather than permanently solve this health condition, surgical mesh has, in some cases, led to a host of other health problems. The serious medical complications possible following hernia surgery with mesh implants include:

• increased pain
• infections
• hernia recurrence
• device shrinkage, erosion, and/or migration
• perforation or obstruction of internal organs
• additional surgery to revise or remove the mesh
• urinary incontinence
• fistulas

Some manufacturers of this surgical mesh have had their hernia mesh products and devices recalled. For example, Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, withdrew its Physiomesh from the market in May 2016 due to high rates of complications. However, many hernia mesh products remain on the market. The patients who suffer from these ongoing side effects and who have received adverse diagnoses, including the need for additional surgery, are calling the device manufacturers to account. They are initiating lawsuits that seek compensation for their present suffering and future medical expenses. The first thing you should do is talk to your doctor and have them assess your medical condition. The very next thing you should do is consult an attorney.