Signs and Symptoms of a Torn or Ripped Hernia Mesh Device

Hernia mesh, alternatively called surgical mesh, is a medical device used to support weakened tissue surrounding a hernia during the healing process.

In hernia repair surgery, the mesh is connected with sutures across the affected region in the upper stomach, abdomen, or groin. 

Most hernia mesh failures are linked to defective products. Pain, infection, recurrence, adhesion, obstruction, and tissue perforation are typical complications associated with the mesh. 

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are experts in hernia mesh lawsuits. The whole team is committed to holding people responsible for their negligence and helping those affected by defective hernia mesh get the needed assistance.

Why Choose Schmidt & Clark, LLP For Your Claim

• We have over 20 years of experience representing injured individuals in their claims against large corporations and government agencies.
• Our lawyers represent the victims of defective hernia mesh in the United States. 
• Our law firm will deal with every aspect of your case on your behalf and guide you through every stage of litigation.

Quick Summary

• A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot or tear in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
• Hernia mesh is a medical device used for hernia repair surgery. It is typically made of synthetic materials such as polypropylene.
• If the hernia mesh becomes torn or ripped, it may not be able to properly support the surrounding tissue, which could lead to additional complications.

What Is a Torn or Ripped Hernia Mesh?

A torn or ripped hernia mesh is a mesh that has become damaged, torn or separated into pieces. If the hernia mesh becomes torn or ripped, it may not be able to properly support the surrounding tissue, which could lead to additional complications such as hernia recurrence, infection, internal bleeding and even death if left untreated.

These complications could be grounds for compensatory damages if:

• The mesh was defective
• The mesh was inserted carelessly by the surgeon.

It is important to seek the help of a doctor if you suspect your hernia mesh has torn or ripped.

What Causes Ripping or Tearing of a Hernia Mesh Device?

Ripping or tearing of hernia mesh device is caused by a combination of factors rather than a single cause. The product design (by majority), a patient's pre-existing health conditions, and the surgical technique are the typical causes of a torn or ripped mesh device. 

What Hernia Mesh Complications Are Caused by the Mesh Tearing or Ripping in the Body?

The hernia mesh complications caused by a torn or ripped hernia mesh in the body include:

• Bowel obstruction
• Mesh migration
• Adhesion
• Rejection
• Mesh shrinkage
• Infection
• Bowel perforation
• Bleeding
• Chronic pain
• Hernia recurrence
• Fistula formation
• Meshoma (tumor-like bodies resulting from bunched-up mesh)
• Nerve damage.

Complications of torn mesh can vary widely according to the location and type of mesh. In general, a torn mesh indicates mesh failure and will probably require removal and, if left untreated, would lead to other severe cases and additional hernia mesh repair.

What Are the Symptoms or Signs of Torn or Ripped Hernia Mesh?

The common signs and symptoms of a torn or ripped hernia mesh device include:

• Fever where the root cause is not known.
• Mild pain to severe pain
• Chronic pain.
• Chills, persistent nausea, or vomiting
• Bloating or unable to pass feces or gases.
• Warm or hot skin where the incision was made.
• Accumulation of fluid on the surgical site, known as seromas
• The surgical wound doesn't heal on time.
• Bulging in the area of the hernia

If you have undergone a hernia repair surgery with mesh at any point in the past and are experiencing symptoms of torn or ripped hernia mesh for no known cause, you need to talk to your doctor.

How Is Torn or Ripped Hernia Mesh Diagnosed?

A torn or ripped hernia mesh is diagnosed by taking x-rays, a CT scan, or another imaging method to ascertain whether your symptoms are associated with the hernia implant.

The diagnosis enables the medical practitioner to administer a suitable treatment for the patient. Some hernia mesh failure symptoms, such as infection and bowel obstruction, are potentially fatal.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of hernia mesh failure.

To check on the mesh, the doctor will examine you physically and may use x-rays, MRIs, or other imaging techniques.

Surgical removal is usually the primary treatment for a ripped mesh. If a mesh infection occurs, doctors will prescribe intravenous antibiotics.

Make sure to discuss surgery options with your doctor. The doctor may advise removing all or a portion of the failed mesh.

They may not know the full extent of the problem until surgery begins, and you may require multiple surgeries.

If you intend to file a lawsuit, ensure that you have the mesh readily available for proof.

See all related medical device lawsuits our lawyers have covered.

Do You Need Additional Surgery if the Mesh Is Torn or Ripped?

Yes, additional surgeries are needed if the mesh is torn or ripped. The removal options are determined by the placement of the hernia mesh, whether overlay, inlay, or onlay.

Based on the serious complications caused by failed hernia mesh, your mesh may need to be removed surgically in some cases. Removal may be your best option, but certain risks are involved. 

Usually, if the hernia mesh had to be removed, your mesh was defective, or your surgeon committed medical malpractice.

Mesh removal surgery now becomes necessary to reduce the injury while repairing and treating the damages caused by the torn mesh.

Lawsuits for a Torn or Ripped Hernia Mesh Device

One may be able to file a lawsuit against the company that manufactured the mesh.

A hernia mesh lawsuit is a legal claim made by a patient against the mesh manufacturer after complications and injuries resulting from mesh failure. 

To file a lawsuit, you need to provide evidence that the implant devices were defective and that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients of known risks and side effects.

So far, the only significant settlement in this litigation has been a $184 million settlement with C.R. Bard in 2011.

However, several additional lawsuits are pending and will most likely be resolved in the coming years. There are currently tens of thousands of cases pending against various manufacturers, most of which are part of federal multidistrict litigations (MDL)

“The main benefit of being a part of an MDL for anybody is the cost.”
- Trent Miracle, Trial Attorney and Pharmaceutical Litigation Expert Simmons Hanly Conroy

FAQs

What Is the Failure Rate for a Hernia Mesh Device?

The failure rate of a hernia mesh device is inconsistent because mesh designs vary. The type of surgery, mesh type, patient type, and surgeon experience all influence recurrence rates. This makes having a fixed failure rate difficult.

Can I File a Lawsuit for a Hernia Mesh Complication?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit for a hernia mesh complication. It would help if you held manufacturers responsible when defective products injured you.

What Types of Hernia Mesh Are There?

There are three regular types of mesh implants: patches, plugs, and sheets.

Do I Need Another Surgery if the Mesh Is Torn?

Yes, you need another surgery if the mesh is torn because it can not dissolve inside your body and has to be removed completely for your body to heal.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Legal claims are currently being filed against many manufacturers of mesh devices for failing to warn patients and physicians of the health risks associated with defective hernia mesh products.

If you suffer from a severe hernia mesh injury or your loved one died due to defective hernia mesh, contact an experienced lawyer at Schmidt & Clark, LLP to discuss your legal options.

We are an experienced team of personal injury lawyers focusing on presenting plaintiffs in hernia mesh claims. Our lawyers are handling numerous lawsuits nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

References:

1. https://medtruth.com/articles/health-features/hernia-mesh-complications/
2. https://www.nghs.com/2020/11/19/importance-of-using-mesh-in-hernia-repair-surgery/
3. https://www.drugwatch.com/hernia-mesh/complications/failure/