Typically, a hernia occurs when an organ (usually involving the stomach or intestine) pushes through the muscle or tissue holding it in place. Treatment options can include surgical repair, often involving the use of hernia mesh implants to stabilize the weakened tissue. However, some hernia mesh products, including Ethicon Physiomesh, Atrium C-QUR Mesh products, and Bard Kugel and Ventralex products, to name a few, have been associated with dangerous side-effects such as infection, migration, perforation, and blockages, as well as hernia reoccurrence, and the need for additional surgical intervention.

Before mesh was introduced, hernia repairs were performed via a number of suture-only techniques. With these procedures, most hospitals maintained a high success rate repairing hernias.

Surgical hernia mesh is a type of medical device intended to provide extra support to repaired tissue previously damaged or weakened by a hernia. While some studies have shown surgeries using mesh lead to fewer hernia recurrences, others have shown post-repair complications are more common if mesh is used in the repair.

TYPES OF HERNIA MESH
Hernia mesh products include many sizes and shapes for different surgical repairs.
These products include:
Patches – A surgical mesh device designed to go over or under the weakened or damaged tissue.
Plugs – A surgical mesh device designed to fit inside the hole in the tissue.
Sheets – A surgical mesh device designed to be custom fitted for each patient’s specific needs.
Each type of hernia mesh may fall into other classifications, for example: absorbable, non-absorbable, coated, synthetic, and animal derived, to name a few.
Absorbable Hernia Mesh
Absorbable mesh will degrade and lose strength over time and is not used to provide long-term reinforcement to the repaired hernia. “As the material degrades, new tissue growth is intended to provide strength to the repair,” according to the US Food & Drug Administration.
Non-Absorbable Hernia Mesh
Non-absorbable mesh, on the other hand, is considered a permanent implant, remaining in the body indefinitely. Non-absorbable mesh is intended to provide lasting reinforcement to the repair site.
Synthetic Hernia Mesh
Surgical mesh made of synthetic materials come in woven or non-woven sheets. The synthetic materials can be absorbable, non-absorbable, or a combination of both. The most popular types of surgical mesh are made of synthetic plastic called polypropylene.
Coated or Composite Hernia Mesh
At least one hernia repair technique can leave mesh in contact with the intestines. This can cause the intestines to adhere to the mesh which can result in severe complications. To prevent adhesions, some polypropylene meshes may come coated with absorbable fatty acids, cellulose, or collagen.

SAFETY ISSUES
There are over 100,000 hernia meshes implanted every year in the United States. Many of the most dangerous hernia meshes remain on the market and have not been recalled by the FDA. Bowel obstructions and severe infections are common complications related to hernia mesh.
The manufacturers of hernia mesh know of the life-threatening complications their products can cause, but do not warn the public or implanting surgeons. The attorneys at Dalimonte Rueb are able to help educate you on the dangers of hernia mesh.
Hernia Mesh Warnings & Recalls
What causes the complications can vary depending on the hernia mesh product. Many hernia mesh products contain a type of plastic known as polypropylene, the same material that is used to make many types of pelvic mesh and bladder slings that have proven to cause issues.
The FDA has announced several manufacturer recalls, and issued a Safety Communication in 2014, warning the public about adverse events linked to hernia mesh.
Patients injured by hernia mesh have filed lawsuits against the manufactures for knowing the mesh is faulty and poorly designed, and hiding the risks. Companies who issued recalls of their hernia mesh products include Atrium Medical Corporation, Covidien, Bard Davol, and Ethicon.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU.
There are many different hernia mesh products available, many of which are manufactured by different medical device companies. The strengths and weaknesses of a hernia mesh lawsuit are in part determined by which company manufactured the hernia mesh, the material of the mesh, and the specific product utilized.
Each hernia mesh implanted could be an individual hernia mesh claim. The specific facts of your case will determine if your hernia mesh lawsuit is compensable.
We represent hernia mesh victims nationwide and our attorneys work tirelessly to hold the manufacturers responsible for the defective products and their failure to warn the public of these risks. An attorney and a medical professional will look over your hernia mesh case and let you know the best course of action for you.

If you have had a hernia repair using hernia mesh, and have experienced any type of post-surgical complications, please contact us immediately for a no cost case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation. The irresponsibility on the part of the manufacturers of these products is dangerous, and consumers and their families should understand the risks involved with these products.