January 11, 2019 – According to Mount Sinai, the lawsuit states that Plaintiff underwent surgery on August 1, 2013, to repair an incisional hernia [1], and shortly thereafter he began to experience severe abdominal pain and chronic inflammation.
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What’s the problem?
According to Cleveland Clinic research from 2023, the plaintiff underwent hernia repair surgery [2] at St. Luke’s Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. His surgeon used a Bard Composix L/P (low-profile) hernia screen, a medical patch used to help repair a hernia and achieve longer-lasting results.
Bard promotes the mesh as offering rapid tissue penetration “for a strong repair” and indicates that the device “has more than 12 years of clinical success in reducing tissue fixation.”
According to the National Institute of Health 2023 notice, the mesh did not work as expected. The plaintiff claims that shortly after implantation, he began to experience unbearable abdominal pain and chronic inflammation [3]. On October 22, 2016, he had to return to the hospital for a second surgery to remove the mesh.
As claimed by a Johns Hopkins Medical School study from 2023, an incisional hernia is a bundle of muscles and tissues that form during or shortly after an anterior surgical incision [4]. Weight gain and/or early physical activity following surgery may increase the risk of developing this type of hernia.
The surgeon noticed that the mesh was “bathed in pus,” indicating an infection and that there were adhesions in the small intestines. He expected that the patient would require additional surgical intervention to repair the damage caused by the hernia mesh.
The plaintiff claims defects in the manufacture of the Bard hernia mesh, and that the company failed to perform adequate clinical trials on the Composix hernia mesh prior to market approval.
Reactions to Hernia Mesh
A study conducted in 2023 and published in the Journal of Abdominal Wall Surgery stated that the presence of hernia mesh can lead to inguinal pain due to irritation or inflammation [5] and observed an uptick in the number of patients requiring mesh removal following a systemic reaction.
Key Findings from the Study:
- The predominant mesh material subject to removal was polypropylene.
- 17% of patients reported enduring chronic fatigue, bloating, swelling, joint pain, rash, headaches, fevers, and fibromyalgia.
- Post-mesh removal surgery, 68% of patients experiencing these symptoms confirmed noticeable improvement within one month.
The synthetic components constituting the mesh may induce allergic reactions or trigger an immune response. However, it’s important to note that not everyone undergoing hernia repair surgery with mesh encounters adverse reactions, and individual responses can vary. The researchers concluded.
Related Article: Defective Hernia Mesh Patch Lawsuit
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FAQs
How can I find a qualified attorney for a hernia mesh lawsuit?
Look for attorneys who specialize in medical device litigation and product liability cases. Check their track record, client reviews, and their experience with hernia mesh lawsuits.
What should I do if I suspect my hernia mesh implant is causing complications?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of complications. Document your symptoms, medical visits, and any communication with healthcare providers. Consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
How does the legal process work for a hernia mesh lawsuit?
The process includes consulting with an attorney, gathering evidence, filing the lawsuit, engaging in pre-trial discovery, negotiating settlements, and possibly going to trial. Each case is unique, and the process can vary.
Can a hernia mesh lawsuit lead to product recalls?
Yes, successful lawsuits and the uncovering of widespread defects can lead to product recalls and increased scrutiny from regulatory agencies.
Get a Free Bard Composix Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in hernia mesh repair lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you have problems following hernia surgery, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
References:
1. https://www.mountsinai.org/care/surgery/services/general-surgery/conditions/hernia/incisional-hernia
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/17967-hernia-repair-surgery
3. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
4. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hernias/incisional-hernia
5. https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/journals/journal-of-abdominal-wall-surgery