In the last decade, device manufacturers have introduced a procedure known as hernia mesh implantation to correct structural defects in the abdominal wall and prevent hernias from causing complications such as internal bleeding. However, complications from this procedure are not uncommon and can include weakened, infected or necrotic tissue with painful symptoms such as pain, swelling, and fever. Hernia mesh implantation has caused an unknown number of deaths that have been attributed to these complications.
Hernia mesh implantation has helped thousands of patients diminish the severity and frequency of hernias. However, this procedure has also caused a number of injuries, infections, and deaths for patients who have been implanted with defective hernia mesh. Manufacturers have produced hernia mesh that had defects in its design and composition that caused complications and injuries to consumers who were implanted with the defective device.
What is a Hernia?
Hernias are a medical condition that causes the presence of extra tissue in or on the abdominal wall with associated hernia symptoms. A hernia may be caused by scarring from previous surgeries, muscle atrophy, or constant strain and activity. Other causes can include severe obesity, heavy lifting, and infection. When these factors are in place, a hernia typically develops.
Hernias are one of the most common conditions that can cause an individual pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. The symptoms of a hernia can include pain or swelling in the abdomen that may be worsened by muscle movement, intense abdominal pressure such as coughing or sneezing, or even when lying down flat with your feet pointing up to your chest. Hernias can also cause discomfort during exercise, prevent athletes from competing in their sports, or force individuals to take time off from their busy schedules. Hernias can be corrected with a variety of treatments, including hernia mesh implantation, hernia repair surgery, or even a combination of both.
Inguinal Hernias:
Inguinal (or groin) hernias are the most common type of hernia. The inguinal canal is a space in the abdominal wall that allows for the muscles and tissues of the abdominal wall to pass through. A hernia occurs when the excess tissue passes through this space into a person's groin or undergarments. The presence of a hernia is evident by the bulging or protrusion of extra tissue in the groin area. The symptoms associated with inguinal hernias include pain, swelling, bruising, and localized warmth in the groin area.
Patients with inguinal hernias may have discomfort during any activity or motion that requires a sudden increase in abdominal pressure, such as coughing, eating, and walking. Additionally, patients can experience pain from any additional strain on their abdominal wall that is caused by lifting heavy objects or strenuous activity.
Hiatal Hernias:
Hiatal hernias are also very common and occur when the upper part of the stomach protrudes through the lower esophageal sphincter, which is designed to protect our internal organs from food and liquids. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, which allows for food and liquids to pass through on their way into the intestines, where they will be digested.
The symptoms of a hiatal hernia include heartburn, chest pain, and coughing or swallowing problems. Hiatal hernias are often diagnosed during a routine test called an upper endoscopy.
Umbilical Hernias:
Umbilical (or navel) hernias are a relatively rare hernia that is caused when the umbilical arteries and veins pass through the inguinal canal, which is a space in the abdominal wall between the pubic bone and the testicle. The symptoms associated with an umbilical hernia include pain or bruising in the abdomen, swelling around or near the belly button, and a bulge of abdominal tissue visible over one or both of your testicles.
Incisional Hernias:
Incisional hernias occur when the abdominal wall is weakened or damaged by previous surgery. These hernias are common in patients who have had abdominal surgeries, including cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and colon surgeries. In addition to these types of surgeries, incisional hernias can also develop after skin grafts and other types of scarring caused by surgery or injury to the abdomen. Many times, incisional hernias are not diagnosed until after surgery because of the location of the hernia in the abdominal wall and the fact that it is often not immediately noticeable.
The symptoms associated with an incisional hernia include pain, swelling, and bruising in the abdomen, blood-stained stool or vomit, and feeling full after eating small amounts of food. In severe cases, patients may experience fainting or a pounding heart due to a heart attack caused by the presence of the hernia.
What is the role of a Hernia Mesh Lawyer?
Hernia mesh has been used to repair and strengthen abdominal walls that have been weakened by muscle atrophy, scarring, or infection. Hernia mesh has been used to fix a variety of hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias. Additionally, hernia meshes have been implanted in patients who have had previous surgeries on their abdominal walls that caused scarring. While hernia mesh can be an effective way to repair hernias, it may also lead to complications if implanted with defective mesh. In addition to the possibility of complications, it has been discovered that many hernia meshes were not properly tested and approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) before they were released on the market.
Conclusion:
Unfortunately, many people have been injured by hernia mesh implants and are suffering from the side effects of these defective devices. In some cases, patients are in pain every day and are unable to enjoy life as they did before they were implanted.
