Types of Complications Following a Hernia Mesh Medical Procedure

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If you are one of the thousands of people who have had a hernia mesh medical procedure, you may be wondering what types of complications could occur. Hernia mesh medical procedures are often very successful, but there is always a risk for complications, as with any surgery.

What is a Hernia Mesh Medical Procedure?

A hernia mesh medical procedure is surgery to repair a hernia. A hernia is a weakness or hole in the abdominal wall that allows organs or tissues to protrude. Hernias can be caused by various things, including pregnancy, being overweight, and lifting heavy objects. Hernias are usually repaired with surgery, and hernia mesh is often used to reinforce the repair.

When we discuss hernia mesh complications, we should consider two different points of view.

Complications Stem from the Surgery Itself or the Patient’s Health Status

Like any surgery, hernia mesh procedures can lead to some issues that doctors treat in the hospital or after the patient arrives home. All surgeries come with a fair share of post-op issues, and patients usually follow medical treatments and recovery procedures to get back on their feet. Recovery time following hernia mesh surgery is typically short. Most people can return to their normal activities within a few days. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions and not overdo it during the recovery process.

Complications Stem Due to the Surgical Mesh Itself

According to a hernia mesh lawsuit lawyer in Tucson, certain defective hernia mesh products are now the highlight of bellwether trials and lawsuits against their manufacturers. Patients sue pharmaceutical companies mostly because manufacturers failed to warn about the meshes’ dangers and risks. For example, suppose you experienced severe pain, infection, bowel blockages, organ perforation, neurological symptoms, mesh migration, etc. In that case, you should discuss a defective product lawsuit with an attorney or join a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturer (Bard, Johnson & Johnson/Ethicon, Atrium, Covidien) of the dangerous mesh.

Now let’s see some of the most common hernia mesh complications that might warrant a visit to your doctor, your lawyer, or both.

1. Infection

One of the most common complications following a hernia mesh procedure is infection. It can occur at the incision site or around the mesh that was placed. Symptoms of infection may include fever, redness, swelling, and drainage from the incision site. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to contact your doctor right away.

2. Hernia Recurrence

Although hernia mesh can significantly reduce the risk of hernia recurrence, it is still possible for the hernia to come back. Hernia recurrence is more likely to occur if the original hernia is large or the surrounding tissue is weak.

3. Mesh Complications

In some situations, the hernia mesh may not heal properly or may cause future complications due to its defects. Mesh complications may mesh shrinkage or mesh migration, which, in turn, cause cascading health issues. In this case, you should seek both medical and legal help.

4. Bowel Obstruction

One of the more severe complications following a hernia mesh procedure is bowel obstruction. It occurs when the small intestine becomes blocked. Symptoms of bowel obstruction may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical help.

5. Allergic Reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to the synthetic hernia mesh material Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical help.

6. Pain

Pain is a common complaint following any surgery. However, pain from hernia mesh surgery is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. If you are experiencing severe pain, it is essential to contact your doctor.

7. Numbness

In some cases, the nerves around the incision site may be damaged during the surgery. It can lead to numbness in the affected area. Numbness is usually temporary and will resolve on its own. However, if you experience severe or persistent numbness, it is essential to contact your doctor.

Bottom Line

If you or a loved one has suffered complications following a hernia mesh procedure, you may be entitled to compensation if medical experts link your problems with the dangerous or defective nature of the mesh. Meet with a defective product lawyer to understand your rights and legal options. A mass tort attorney has the experience handling hernia mesh lawsuits and will fight to get you the settlement you deserve.

About the Author

Crystal A. Davis

How does one combine a passion for journalism with a strong sense of justice? For Crystal, the choice was simple: legal journalism. Born and raised in a family of attorneys but wanting to approach the law from an investigative angle, Crystal decided that people would not hear her voice in the court, but online, in magazines, journals, and other platforms. When she is not studying active lawsuits closely to report on them, she writes public-friendly articles detangling the complicated threads representing the American legal system.