What is Hernia Mesh?

Hernias tend to have a high recurrence rate and hernia mesh has become a preferred method for treatment because it reduces the risk of hernias reappearing. Hernia mesh is a surgically attached implant that is placed on weakened tissue during a hernia repair surgery. The mesh is designed to integrate itself into the weakened tissue to provide necessary support and cover any holes in the tissue. By supporting the damaged area, the organ that caused the hernia in the first place is supposed to be prevented from protruding through the weakened tissue again.

Open repair and laparoscopic repair are the two types of surgical procedures used for inserting hernia mesh into weakened tissues. Open repair surgery is when a surgeon makes an incision to open up the damaged area to implant the mesh. In contrast, a laparoscopic repair is accomplished by making small incisions around the hernia and using a camera to guide the surgeon in repairing the hernia and inserting the mesh.

The two main categories of mesh used for hernia repair include:

1. Synthetic meshes: Various synthetic mesh implants are widely available, including reticular, laminar and composite meshes. These meshes are usually made from polypropylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or polyester. Composite meshes, the basis of most late designs, combine reticular and laminar meshes as well as polypropylene and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
2. Biological (bioprosthetic) meshes: This hernia mesh is composed of biological material such as pig skin or intestines, human skin or cow hearts. The main goal of biological meshes is to provide extracellular components to allow for complete healing and restoration of the functional integrity of the abdominal wall. These meshes have numerous benefits including milder immune response and reduced fibrosis. Nevertheless, biological materials are often considered mechanically inferior and more expensive.

Since 1999, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has exclusively handled serious product liability and personal injury cases, and has aggressively and tenaciously secured over $175 Million in verdicts and settlements for people who were injured in Buffalo, New York and beyond. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. recognizes the health problems that faulty hernia mesh implants can cause, and the added financial hardships that can result. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s team of highly experienced faulty hernia mesh injury lawyers in Buffalo, New York possess the skills and knowledge required to systematically investigate your hernia mesh implant-related injuries, and ensure that you are in a position to receive the highest possible recovery for your damages. Contact us today at 716-839-3939 for your free consultation. We can be reached 24 hours per day and 7 days per week.

What Are The Complications Of Hernia Mesh Surgery?

Over recent years, numerous hernia mesh products have been ineffective. Some mesh implants have even contributed to the risk of post-surgery complications and, inevitably, the need for revision surgery. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), adverse events and complications related to hernia repair with surgical mesh can include:

1. Nerve damage;
2. Internal bleeding;
3. Inflammation;
4. Severe groin and/or abdominal pain;
5. Fluid buildup around the surgical site;
6. Hernia mesh shrinking;
7. Mesh shifting out of place, folding or migrating from its intended location;
8. Hernia mesh perforating organs;
9. Mesh bonding to the intestines and bringing about adhesions or intestinal blockage;
10. Chronic infections around the implant site, which can lead to sepsis;
11. Rejection of the hernia mesh by the patient’s body; and
12. Development of fistulas, which consists of an abnormal joining of organs.

Anyone with a hernia mesh implant should look out for the above signs. If you notice that you are experiencing any of these complications, contact a doctor immediately. A patient who suffers one or more or the above dangerous complications may require mesh removal or revision surgery, a colostomy or surgery to remove part of any injured organs.

While hernia mesh implants are typically successful in preventing further hernias, complications have been attributed to multiple brands of mesh implants. Some of the defective hernia mesh products include, but are not limited to, the following brands:

1. Atrium;
2. Bard Inc.;
3. Covidien;
4. C-Qur Hernia Mesh;
5. Ethicon Physiomesh Flexible Composite Mesh;
6. Genzyme; and
7. Gore Medical.

For more information regarding recalled hernia mesh products, refer to the FDA’s recall notices.

If you, or a loved one, underwent hernia mesh surgery and suffered adverse health effects as a result, you should contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his top rated team of faulty hernia mesh injury lawyers in Buffalo, New York at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. today! We are ready to aggressively and tenaciously fight for your legal rights and the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Call us today at 716-839-3939 for your free consultation. Our compassionate team is ready to help.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!