Hernia mesh is a type of medical device commonly used in hernia repair surgeries. Multiple complications with surgical mesh have been reported to the FDA, leading to several product recalls and thousands of lawsuits.
Recalls help to prevent future patients from suffering, but recipients of the defective devices often must deal with a range of side effects and health issues. Many hernia repair patients will need revision surgery due to defective mesh.
If you or a loved one is experiencing pain or health issues related to hernia mesh, you may be entitled to compensation. The defective medical device lawyers at Shaw Cowart LLP want to hold manufacturers accountable while helping victims and their families get the compensation they deserve.
To schedule a free consultation with one of the attorneys at Shaw Cowart LLP, call us at 512-499-8900. We serve clients in Austin, Texas and the surrounding areas.
Hernia Mesh Complications
Surgical mesh is used in many hernia repairs. Its intended function is to reinforce the repaired site to prevent hernia recurrence. The device can be made of animal tissue or synthetic materials. Mesh derived from animal tissue is absorbable, and so are some types of synthetic mesh. Other synthetic mesh is non-absorbable and intended as a permanent implant.
Complications can occur with all variations of hernia mesh. Serious and even fatal medical conditions can arise, including:
- Mesh migration – The medical device can erode in your body. Pieces of it can migrate within the body, sometimes affecting major organs.
- Mesh shrinkage – The mesh can contract in the body, potentially causing internal injury and necessitating additional surgery.
- Mesh rejection – The body may respond to the presence of a foreign object with a pronounced immune response. You may experience illness as a result.
- Infection – Infection is a risk with any surgery but can be complicated by hernia mesh. Removal of the mesh is necessary in cases of serious infection.
- Recurrence – Failure of the mesh can result in recurrence of the hernia.
- Adhesion – Scar tissue at the surgery site can cause tissues and organs to become bound to the implant, resulting in health issues.
- Obstruction of the large or small intestine – Scar tissue can cause blockages that interfere with your ability to eliminate waste from the body.
- Perforation of nearby organs or tissues – Obstructions or mesh migration can cause damage to other organs.
- Pain – Pain that persists beyond the general surgery recovery period or pain that worsens with time can indicate a hernia mesh injury.
Consult your physician with any concerns you may have or if you are experiencing pain or illness after your hernia mesh implant.
Defective Hernia Mesh
Medical devices can be lifesaving when proper research and manufacturing are carried out. Unfortunately, the medical device approval process allows many devices into the market before adequate testing and development have taken place. As a result, consumers often suffer. Design defects, faulty manufacturing, toxic materials, and counterfeit products may be the cause of your hernia mesh injury.
Several types and brands of surgical mesh have been recalled. Recalls occur when the FDA receives significant injury reports. However, surgeons do not always report adverse reactions to the FDA, so an un-recalled hernia mesh product is not necessarily safe.
You may be Entitled to Compensation
Companies have an obligation to consumer safety and may be liable for damages their products cause. If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of a hernia mesh product, we want to hold the manufacturer accountable. We may be able to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, loss of the ability to earn income, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages.
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation in Austin
We understand that it is stressful physically and financially to cope with the ramifications of a hernia mesh injury. At Shaw Cowart LLP, we want to relieve some of that burden, so we only charge attorneys’ fees if we recover damages for you.
Call us today at 512-499-8900 to schedule a free consultation. Our office is located in Austin, Texas, and we are proud to serve clients in the city and surrounding areas.