The human body rejects hernia mesh more often than many realize. For decades, doctors have used mesh patches to repair hernias. Today, most hernia repair involves implanting a surgical mesh product over the hole to prevent hernia recurrence.
Any time a surgeon puts a foreign product inside the body, there is the risk of autoimmune rejection. In addition to a negative autoimmune reaction, there are other complications that may occur when the hernia mesh and the body do not interact properly.
What the Research Says About Hernia Mesh Rejection and Complications
Any time a surgeon implants a medical product or device in the body, biocompatibility is a major concern. When the body has poor biocompatibility with hernia mesh, there is an autoimmune reaction. This reaction results in the body building tough scar tissue around the patch. This causes additional complications such as patch failure, hernia recurrence, and infection.
Infection is the most common cause of revision surgery and the removal of a hernia mesh patch. In one study published in the American Journal of Surgery, infection was the reason behind almost seven out of every 10 mesh removal procedures.
Rejection is only one issue in hernia repair using the mesh patches. The use of these patches also increases other complications, according to a report presented to the clinical congress of the American College of Surgeons.
The Frequency of Major Complications
The study presented to the American College of Surgeons followed hernia repair patients for five years and found major complications occurred about 5% more often in procedures using mesh than in those without.
Some of the major complications included:
- Infections
- Chronic sinus tracts
- Abdominal abscesses
- Fistulas
- Bowel obstructions
- Bowel perforations
Overall, these complications occurred in 5.6% of open mesh repair surgeries and in 3.7% of laparoscopic mesh repairs in this study. Between 10 and 12% of patients required reoperation because of hernia recurrence, despite using hernia mesh.
Symptoms of Rejection and Other Complications
Pain is the primary symptom of many types of hernia complications. If you experience pain in the area of the hernia, you should discuss it with your doctor. Other symptoms and complications caused by hernia mesh rejection and side effects may include:
- Infection around the mesh
- Fever and discomfort
- Hernia mesh constriction
- Hernia mesh migration
- Scar tissue and adhesions
- Bowel obstruction or perforation
- Shrinkage of mesh
- Hernia recurrence
- Fistulas
- Seromas
Rejection and many other complications can be serious. Patients may require additional surgery to remove the mesh, re-repair the hernia, or revise the repair.
Let Us Review Your Case Against a Hernia Mesh Manufacturer
If you experienced complications because of hernia mesh rejection or failure, you may be eligible to take legal action against the manufacturer of the mesh patch that caused your side effects. The team from the Law Offices of Elrod, Ogle & Baril PLLC offers free case reviews.
We can even help you identify the manufacturer and brand of your patch. Manufacturers have already voluntarily removed some of these implants from the market. There are thousands of pending lawsuits in cases similar to yours. You may be able to join a mass tort or multidistrict litigation. We will explain your legal options and help you pursue compensation.
Talk to a Hernia Mesh Complications Attorney Today
At the Law Offices of Elrod, Ogle & Baril, PLLC, we know what it takes to hold a hernia mesh manufacturer liable for your complications. Let us evaluate your case for free and go after the compensation you deserve.
Call our office today at 865-546-1111 to discuss your symptoms and complications with a member of our team. Our hernia mesh complications lawsuit lawyers can collect evidence and build a solid case on your behalf.