Mesh has been used to repair hernias for decades but, in recent years, there has been an increasing number of reports of complications, including hernia mesh failure. If you’ve had a hernia operation involving mesh, it’s important to know which symptoms to keep an eye out for in case of mesh failure. Here’s how to tell if your hernia mesh has failed and what you can do next.
What are the Symptoms of Hernia Mesh Failure?
Hernia mesh failure is a serious complication that can happen for a number of reasons, with a defective mesh design or material, respectively, being the most common. This can cause the mesh to break down, migrate or erode into organs. Not only will this cause pain, but it may worsen the situation, require corrective surgery, and cause a longer recovery time.
Symptoms that indicate hernia mesh failure include:
- Bloating and inability to pass stool.
- Area around the surgical site is unusually warm, hot, sore and/or tender.
- Fever or other flu-like symptoms.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Wound isn’t healing properly or is unusually inflamed.
- Wound is extremely painful – to the point that it’s affecting your daily activities.
- A noticeable lump in or around the area of the original hernia.
These symptoms may be a result of:
- Mesh migration.
- Mesh adhesion (sticking to other organs which will cause them to painfully twist).
- Bowel obstruction due to the mesh.
- Infection.
- Mesh rejection (your body rejecting the implant).
- Mesh shrinkage or contraction.
- Hernia recurrence.
What are the Chances of My Hernia Mesh Failing?
Many people do not suffer from any serious complications after their hernia mesh surgery. In fact, a recent study found that the reported incidence of mesh-related infections has been around one to eight percent.
Be aware that mesh failure doesn’t always happen straight away – they can occur months or even years after the surgery. Other studies have found that the chance of complications from hernia mesh surgery tends to be higher than when sutures are used, so it’s important that you keep an eye out for the above symptoms and allow you to make a timely intervention.
So My Mesh is Failing. What Can I Do Next?
If you think your hernia mesh is failing and you’re suffering from severe side effects, the first thing you should do is to consult your doctor. They will be able to examine you and determine what might be causing these issues.
If hernia mesh failure is the root cause, then it may be time to consider a lawsuit. But before you file your lawsuit, there are three important things you need to do first.
1. Check if You’re Eligible
There’s strict criteria in place for who can file a hernia mesh claim and if your case doesn’t meet these requirements, it’s unlikely that it will make it to court. At the moment, lawsuits can only be filed against Ethicon’s Physiomesh or Atrium’s C-QUR.
These two types of mesh are different to the other types on the market. Made from polypropylene and covered with a special coating, they were made to be a safer alternative but people have been reporting allergic reactions, chronic pain and infections as a result of them.
Contact your surgeon or hospital to find out which mesh product was used for your hernia repair.
The fastest way to find out whether you’re eligible to file a lawsuit is to speak to a qualified and experienced attorney. At Coxwell & Associates, PLLC, we offer free hernia mesh case consultations. Speak to us to find out whether you can claim compensation.
2. Determine How Much Damage Has Been Caused by the Hernia Mesh
If you have either Physiomesh or C-QUR and are eligible, then you can begin preparing your lawsuit. Before you approach an attorney, try and find out how much damage the mesh has caused – both financially and physically.
- How much physical pain has the mesh caused?
- Have you needed corrective surgery? How much has that costed?
- Have you needed to take time off work? How much income have you lost?
- Will you need to take even more time off work? How much more income will you lose?
All of this information will help your attorney calculate how much compensation you’re entitled to claim.
3. Find the Best Hernia Mesh Attorney to Handle Your Case
Increase your chances of a successful lawsuit by finding a qualified attorney who has years of experience in working on high-profile personal injury cases. Do some research to find a lawyer who meets your needs and can fight for what you deserve.
Speak to an Experienced Attorney Today
Surgical meshes such as Physiomesh and C-QUR are meant to help you, but have only served to cause complications. This brings up the question of whether or not meshes are causing more harm than good for hernia patients and it’s unfair that you should have to suffer.
At Coxwell & Associates, PLLC, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys have been representing Mississippians for over 35 years. We have worked on high-profile cases and helped our clients achieve the compensation they deserve. Speak to us today and we can find out whether you’re eligible to file a hernia mesh lawsuit and how best to go about it.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.