Four Major Hernia Mesh Complications

One of the most common surgeries practiced in the U.S. today is that of hernia repair. Although mesh implant surgery was said to be a better option, there has been plenty of hernia mesh complications associated with the same.

• Recurrence

At the start, the hernia meshes were considered to be a superior option to the conventional surgical procedure as they promised to significantly decrease the rate of the return of hernia. Unfortunately, of the thousand of adverse reports submitted to the FDA, majority of them have cited the complications associated with hernia recurrence. Improper surgical technique is one of the main reasons what results in the return of hernia. Moreover, shrinkage of the mesh and movement (migration) of the broken mesh particles also contributes to the reasons of subsequent hernia occurrence. Most of the time, the second or following operations are more testing than the first and are more prone to failure than the actual surgical procedure.

• Infection

The most underrated complication of a defective hernia mesh implant is the scope of infections. Of the many hernia mesh complications, this is hardly cared about. As understood, if the infections are left long untreated, no dosage of antibiotics can help alleviate the condition. Each body, in its own capacity can accept and reject the foreign substance. Although the meshes are specifically designed for the medical purpose, some patients are allergic to the material used for manufacturing the mesh. If the allergies continue, or the condition goes worse, there is no other option but to operate the mesh and clear the place. This is, as mentioned earlier is a far challenging option than the actual operation.

• Intestinal and skin complications

Most of the time, there has been reports that the defective meshes get attached to the bowel. This apparently is no negative effect but there might be conditions when the mesh finds its way and gets into the intestinal groove. In such situations, it would require surgical intervention. That being said, it also leaves chances when the mesh can erode through the intestinal wall causing the seepage of the bowel content.

• Nerve damage

There is always a specific time required post any surgery till the patient recovers. During this phase, there is definitely a sense of discomfort. The same happens with the mesh implant surgery as well. But if the pain persists from moderate to severe hurting, the patient should immediately seek medical attention. Sometimes, a local anesthesia can do away with the hurting for the time being but if it is more than just the recovery-pain, it can relapse again. It is best to consult with the doctor in case of any anonymous pain.

The blame is on the manufacturing companies

The victims of the above discussed surgical mesh complications have allegedly blamed the manufacturing companies for hiding the harmful side effects of the device. Moreover, the companies continued wrongly branding and advertising the devices despite the constant reports on the adverse health complications. In their claims, the victims can ask for:

• the expenses of the ongoing and future medical bills
• the compensation for loss of earning capacity
• reduced capacity of earning
• cost for the pain and suffering

You need to speak up if you or someone close to your kin has suffered from the complications and the undue pain of these defective devices.