The Signs & Symptoms of a Defective Hernia Mesh Device

Hernia mesh is often used in hernia repair surgeries to strengthen the tissue or muscle around the hernia to support weakened tissue. Defective hernia mesh or hernia mesh failure can lead to injury, allowing you to seek compensation for damages from your injuries.

Patients with hernia repair surgery using surgical mesh should be aware of the symptoms associated with hernia mesh failure.

The professional lawyers and Schmit and Clark can help you answer common questions, outline the signs and symptoms of hernia mesh failure and file a hernia mesh lawsuit. 

Quick Summary

• Common symptoms of defective hernia mesh include fever, chills, bruising, swelling, infection, chronic infections, and more.
• One of these symptoms is not necessarily indicative of defective mesh products; complications usually arise with two or more symptoms.
• See a doctor anytime you develop any symptoms associated with the defective mesh, as symptoms can develop anytime after surgery.
• The average settlement of a hernia mesh lawsuit depends on several factors, including the severity of complications, the number of medical bills, and the impact of the injury on your day- to-day-life. 

What Are Common Symptoms of Defective Hernia Mesh?

Signs and symptoms of a defective hernia mesh can be similar to other medical conditions or illnesses, which is why hernia mesh rejection can go unnoticed. The common signs and symptoms of defective hernia mesh include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Pain
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Chronic infection
• Trouble urinating
• Erectile dysfunction

Related Article:Hernia Mesh Lawsuits Update

What Is a Fever?

The human body’s average temperature ranges from 99 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever happens when your body temperature is higher than usual.A mild fever is above the normal range of up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. A high fever is 104 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Anyone with a fever that stays for three days or longer should see a doctor, except:

• Toddlers: See a doctor if a fever lasts longer than a day
• Infants: See a doctor immediately if the fever is over 100.4°F [1]. 

When a fever happens after hernia mesh surgery, you may assume it’s simply a side effect of the surgery. Still, when a fever occurs months or years later, it becomes less evident that it is linked to failed hernia mesh. 

What Are Chills Caused by Fever?

Chills are the sensation of coldness, like shivering, but accompanied by fever. When chills follow a fever, people often assume it’s related to a virus like the flu or cold, but it may be related to an infection from defective surgical mesh.

What Is Pain or Chronic Pain?

Pain is a sensation coming from the nerves reacting to the brain to pinpoint tissue damage and warn you by causing pain. Pain is experienced differently by everyone and can be short-term, long-term, mental, or physical. Because everyone explains pain differently, pain related to mesh failure can go unnoticed.Chronic pain from hernia mesh surgery and severe pain will likely occur along the area of hernia repair.

What Is Skin Bruising?

Skin bruising is an injury that discolors the skin and is caused by damage to blood cells under the skin that pool together near the skin’s surface.A bruise can appear after you bump yourself into an object. An unexplained bruise could be the result of a bleeding disorder. When bruising is related to hernia surgery, it usually happens on or near the repair site and will appear soon after the hernia repair. If you experience bleeding inside the incision, you may need additional surgery to open the skin and stop the bleeding [2]. 

What Is Swelling in the Body?

Swelling in the body is a reaction to inflammation or fluid buildup in the body. Swelling can happen in the following areas:

• On the outer skin 
• Near the skin, such as in muscle tissue 
• Internally where it isn’t visible 

Swelling can be a symptom of several medical conditions. There may be an infection when swelling includes warm red skin and pus. With hernia repairs, there may be visible swelling at the wound site. Swelling can be a sign of infection due to mesh failure. 

What are Burning Sensations?

A burning sensation at the site of the hernia mesh implant may be caused by inflammation or irritation of the tissue surrounding the mesh [3]. This can be due to the mesh rubbing against the tissue, causing irritation and discomfort. The burning sensation may be accompanied by pain and swelling.

What Are Nausea and Vomiting?

Nausea is the uneasy feeling that is felt when you feel like you need to or are going to vomit. Vomiting is the emptying of the stomach via throwing up. It can be voluntary or involuntary.Both can be side effects related to defective hernia repair and several other illnesses.

What Is a Chronic Infection?

A chronic infection is an infection that stays for an extended period of time. Microorganisms cause chronic infection, such as: 

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Parasites 

Chronic infections can become fatal. Also, there may not be noticeable symptoms at first with chronic infections. With hernia mesh complications, the typical cause of chronic infection is a bacterial infection. Bacteria resistant to methicillin, like MRSA, are the leading bacteria associated with hernia mesh complications and typically require the removal of the mesh implant [3]. 

What Does It Mean to Have Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that happens when a male can’t achieve or sustain an erection. Erectile dysfunction can be the result of the following:

• An adverse reaction to a medication
• Too much alcohol consumption
• Fatigue

Erectile dysfunction can indicate a medical condition, such as a defective hernia mesh implant. The mesh may be broken, shrunk, or eroded, resulting in hernia mesh migration and causing reduced blood flow. 

Is Only One of These Signs or Symptoms Indicative of Mesh Failure?

Usually, no. One sign or symptom doesn’t necessarily indicate a defective hernia repair, but it’s best to see your doctor for any of these symptoms.Usually, signs or symptoms of hernia mesh failure result in two or more symptoms. Examples of the most common events related to defective hernia mesh products include [4]:

• Infection: An infection can include fever, chills, vomiting, swelling, and pain.
• Recurrence: Hernia recurrence can include infection, difficulty urinating or defecating, and nausea or vomiting.
• Adhesion: Adhesion can produce chronic pain, fever, swelling, and vomiting if it goes undiagnosed for a long time.
• Obstruction: Obstruction such as bowel obstruction or intestinal obstruction includes abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, inability to use the bathroom, and swelling. 
• Seroma: Seroma is the buildup of fluid under the skin, especially near a surgical site. Signs of seroma include chills, fever, swelling, and infections.

What Is Organ Perforation From Surgical Mesh?

Based on studies by the Food and Drug Administration, one of the most severe complications after hernia repairs is a hole in neighboring organs, tissues, or organ perforation.

This can happen in three different ways [6]:

• Improper mesh placement
• Improper surgical techniques
• Hernia mesh failure

The most common cause of organ perforation from mesh is hernia mesh failure. When the defective mesh is used to repair a hernia, it can fail and result in mesh migration or eroding.

The mesh implant can perforate another organ or tissue as it moves around the body.

The organs most at risk for organ perforation are:

• The bladder
• The urinary tract
• The bowels
• The blood vessels

What Symptoms Arise From Organ Perforation?

The symptoms that arise from organ perforation are similar to mesh failure symptoms.

Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Chills
• Increased heart rate
• Infection
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Low blood pressure
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding
• Severe pain

What Are the Symptoms of Bowel Perforation?

The symptoms of bowel perforation include [7]:

• Vomiting
• Swollen abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Unable to pass gas
• Bloody stool
• Blood pressure change

What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Perforation?

The symptoms of bladder perforation include:

• Pain when urinating
• Inability to urinate
• Blood in the urine
• Severe pelvic cramping

What Are the Symptoms of Perforation of Blood Vessels?

The most frequent symptoms of perforation of blood vessels are:

• Bloody Stool Or Urine
• Excessive vaginal bleeding
• Weakness
• Abdominal swelling
• Pressure

What Complications Are Caused by Organ Perforation?

Organ perforation is a medical emergency. A perforated organ can release material into the body.

For example, a gastrointestinal perforation can leak waste into the body, which can enter the bloodstream leading to sepsis. Sepsis can lead to loss of limbs or death.

How Is Organ Perforation Treated and Diagnosed?

Organ perforation is diagnosed through the following:

• A physical exam
• Bloodwork
• Urine tests
• Stool tests
• CT scans
• Ultrasounds
• Cystography

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment includes:

• Surgery to repair hernias
• Surgery for mesh removal
• Cauterization of blood vessels
• Removal of leaked fluid from mesh migration
• Antibiotics for infection
• A blood transfusion

Are Some Patients at Greater Risk for Device Failure?

Yes, some patients may be at a higher risk for hernia mesh failure than others.

Patients at greater risk for device failure include:

• Diabetes (type I or II): Diabetes can affect the body’s ability to heal properly after surgery and can increase the risk of complications, including infection and hernia mesh failure.
• Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (lung disease): Chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can interfere with the body’s ability to get enough oxygen, affecting the healing process after surgery. This can increase the risk of complications, including hernia mesh failure.
• Coagulopathy (blood clotting problems): Patients with blood clotting disorders may be at a higher risk for hernia mesh failure due to increased bleeding and clotting during and after surgery.
• Benign prostate hyperplasia: Benign prostate hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate, can increase the risk of complications during surgery, including hernia mesh failure.
• Obesity: Obese patients may be at a higher risk for hernia mesh failure, as the increased weight and pressure on the abdominal wall can strain the mesh.
• Jaundice: Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, can be a sign of liver damage and may increase the risk of complications during surgery, including hernia mesh failure.
• Cirrhosis (scarred liver): Cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, can affect the body’s ability to heal properly after surgery and can increase the risk of complications, including hernia mesh failure.
• Smoking: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications, including infection and hernia mesh failure.
• Anemia: Anemia, or a low red blood cell count, can affect the body’s ability to get enough oxygen to the tissues, which can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications after surgery.
• Radiotherapy: Previous radiation therapy may increase the risk of complications during surgery, including hernia mesh failure.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system and may increase the risk of complications during surgery, including hernia mesh failure.
• Autoimmune diseases: Various autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune diseases can affect the body’s ability to heal properly after surgery and may increase the risk of complications, including hernia mesh failure.
• Malnutrition: Poor nutrition or malnutrition can affect the body’s ability to heal properly after surgery and may increase the risk of complications, including hernia mesh failure.
• Chronic steroid use: Steroids can weaken the immune system and may increase the risk of complications during surgery, including hernia mesh failure.

How to Reduce the Risk of Hernia Mesh Failure

To minimize complications after surgery:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Follow all post-surgery instructions
• Avoid heavy lifting and activities that strain the abdomen
• Monitor symptoms and seek medical attention when needed

When to See a Doctor for Symptoms of Defective Failed Mesh?

When you have experienced hernia surgery using hernia meshes, you should see your doctor if you develop any of the symptoms above, especially if they happen for no other reason.Injuries caused by defective mesh material have been known to occur:

• Immediately after surgery
• Over the years or a decade later
• Developing within a year or greater

Due to symptoms being able to appear anytime, ensure that when you visit your doctor, you notify them that you have had an open hernia repair.If you know which mesh medical device was used in your mesh repair, that is also information to tell your doctor.

If there is an FDA recall or other serious complications known to come from the device, your doctor can check into it and treat you properly.  

In case you experience mesh infection from failure, you will likely need mesh removal surgery to prevent hernia recurrence. Mesh removal surgery can be more difficult for those that have had their mesh longer due to scar tissue buildup. 

“ In the United States, we perform around one million hernia repairs every year.”
– Dr. Shirin Towfigh, Surgeon, Beverly Hills Hernia Center

Hernia Mesh Recall Information

Which Brands Have the Highest Success Rates?

Below are some brands with the highest success rates:

Products Facing Lawsuits

Below are some products facing lawsuits:

Products Recalled by FDA

Below are the products recalled by FDA:

Average Settlement Amounts

Various reports by lawyers have estimated the average hernia mesh payout between $70,000 and $90,000. The average Hernia Mesh settlement amount you can receive in herniamesh lawsuits depend on several factors, including the severity of the hernia compilations, the number of medical expenses, and the impact of the injury on your ability to live your life.Individuals injured by defective mesh are generally liable to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and occasionally punitive damages. Severe cases may result in higher settlements.See the other medical device cases our lawyers have covered.

FAQs

How Do I Know if My Mesh Medical Device Has Been Recalled?

You can find out if your mesh medical device has been recalled by checking the FDA for an issued recall or the manufacturer for a recall. Your medical records can be reviewed to identify the exact mesh medical device used in your surgery.

How Many Years Does a Hernia Mesh Implant Last?

A hernia mesh repair typically lasts five years, based on information from the Journal of American Medical Association or JAMA [5]. However, each implant varies depending on the mesh type and other complications.

Can an MRI Diagnose Hernia Mesh Complications?

An MRI can diagnose a hernia mesh recurrence or pain in the mesh position. The use of an MRI prevents unnecessary surgery.

How Do I Know if My Body Is Experiencing Mesh Rejection?

You will know if your body is experiencing mesh rejection through symptoms like pain, swelling, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, and nausea. You can also experience tenderness around the implant area as well as redness or stiffness. 

How Is an Infection Related to Hernia Mesh Failure Diagnosed?

Hernia mesh failure is often diagnosed with CT scans and postsurgical fluid collections. CT scans continually diagnose mesh complications in the abdominal wall along with bowel obstruction and hernia recurrence [7]. 

When Should I Contact a Lawyer for My Defective Mesh Complications?

After a doctor has confirmed your serious complications were caused by a defective hernia mesh implant, you should contact a hernia mesh lawsuit lawyer as soon as possible. Each state has various statutes of limitations on filing your case. At Schmidt & Clark, LLP our experienced Medical Device Litigation Group can help you gather evidence like medical records, collect expert witnesses, file your lawsuit, and even represent you in court if necessary. We are currently taking hernia mesh lawsuits throughout all 50 states.Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today to get a free lawsuit evaluation for hernia mesh lawsuits. 

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/fevers-causes-symptoms-treatments#1
2. https://pedsurg.ucsf.edu/condition/inguinal-hernia-pediatric
3. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
4. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/surgical-mesh-used-hernia-repair
5. https://media.jamanetwork.com/news-item/study-finds-mixed-results-for-use-of-mesh-for-hernia-repair/