Risk of Hernia Mesh Complications Increases Over Time, Studies Say

Surgical mesh has long been a viable option in surgical hernia repair. A recent study by JAMA – The Journal of the American Medical Association – found that “[f]or the entirety of the follow-up duration, there [was] a progressively increasing number of mesh-related complications (such as bowel obstruction, bowel perforation, bleeding, late abscess) for both open and laparoscopic procedures” involving surgical mesh. Used in approximately half of all hernia repair surgeries, mesh is a popular option among doctors and patients. These doctors and patients relied on hernia mesh to relieve patients suffering and to provide them with a better quality of life.

Unfortunately, many of these patients continue to suffer from the original hernia and from complications due to the particular surgical mesh selected for the repair. There has been a steady increase in the number of patients who experience complications such as infection, bleeding, bowel obstruction, and organ perforation after undergoing hernia repair using surgical mesh products. Other potential adverse conditions following surgical mesh hernia repair are mesh migration and mesh shrinkage, which can cause a recurrence of the original hernia.

If you or a family member had surgery to repair a painful hernia and have experienced complications like those listed above, you need to take two actions. First, visit your doctor for a complete medical examination and diagnosis. Your doctor may be able to treat some of your symptoms immediately and provide you with needed symptom relief. Second, consult our experienced attorneys.