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 Schmidt 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:

Systemic Symptoms

Fever and Chills

• Fever above 100°F (37.8°C) that persists for more than three days [1]. 
• Chills accompanied by fever, indicating possible infection
• Body temperature reaching 104°F (40°C) or higher requires immediate medical attention

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. 

If you experience bleeding inside the incision, you may need additional surgery to open the skin and stop the bleeding [2]. 

Nausea and Vomiting

• Persistent nausea without other apparent causes
• Involuntary vomiting that may indicate bowel obstruction
• Symptoms occurring months or years after surgery

Physical Symptoms at Surgical Site

Pain and Discomfort

• Chronic pain at the hernia repair site
• Sharp, burning sensations near the mesh implant [3]
• Pain that worsens over time rather than improving

Visible Changes

• Unexplained bruising around the surgical area
• Swelling that doesn’t resolve with time
• Redness, warmth, and tenderness indicating infection
• Visible bulging suggesting hernia recurrence

Serious Complications

Infection-Related Symptoms

• Chronic infections that resist antibiotic treatment
• MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections [4]
• Pus or unusual discharge from the surgical site
• Seroma (fluid buildup under the skin)

Functional Problems

• Difficulty urinating or complete inability to urinate
• Constipation or inability to pass gas
• Bowel obstruction symptoms including severe abdominal pain
• Erectile dysfunction in male patients due to reduced blood flow

Related Article: Hernia Mesh Lawsuits Update

4 Major Complications from Defective Mesh

Examples of the most common events related to defective hernia mesh products include [5]:

1. Infection

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. 

2. Hernia Recurrence

When the original hernia returns, often accompanied by pain, swelling, and functional difficulties with urination or bowel movements.

3. Tissue Perforation

Defective mesh can puncture organs, causing severe complications including bowel perforation, internal bleeding, and life-threatening infections [6].

4. Adhesion and Obstruction

Mesh can adhere to internal organs, causing chronic pain and potentially blocking the intestines, requiring emergency surgery.

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:

• 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

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.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Fever lasting more than three days
• Severe or worsening pain at the surgical site
• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, discharge)
• Difficulty urinating or having bowel movements
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained swelling or bruising

Always inform healthcare providers about your hernia mesh implant, including the specific device used if known. Symptoms can appear immediately after surgery or develop years later.

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

Recalled Mesh Products

Several hernia mesh products have been recalled or face ongoing lawsuits:

FDA Recalled Products:

• Atrium C-Qur (improper packaging)
• Bard Composix Kugel (ring breakage risk)
• Ethicon Proceed (coating loss risk)
• Ethicon Physiomesh (high failure rates)

Products Facing Lawsuits:

• Various Johnson & Johnson/Ethicon products
• Atrium Medical devices
• Covidien/Medtronic Parietex products
• Multiple Bard mesh products

Legal Compensation and Next Steps

Patients experiencing complications from defective hernia mesh may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and future treatment costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Additional surgeries and rehabilitation
• Punitive damages in cases of manufacturer negligence

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 hernia mesh lawsuits depend on several factors, including:

• the severity of the hernia compilations
• the number of medical expenses
• 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.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

To minimize complications:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking before and after surgery
• Follow all post-surgical instructions
• Avoid heavy lifting and abdominal strain
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Monitor for symptoms and seek prompt medical care

See the other medical device cases our lawyers have covered.

FAQs

1. 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.

2. 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 [7]. However, each implant varies depending on the mesh type and other complications.

3. 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.

4. 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. 

5. 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 [8]. 

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://medtruth.com/articles/health-features/hernia-mesh-complications/
4. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
5. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/surgical-mesh-used-hernia-repair
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/gastrointestinal-perforation
7. https://media.jamanetwork.com/news-item/study-finds-mixed-results-for-use-of-mesh-for-hernia-repair/
8. https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/rg.2020190106