Hernia Mesh

What Is A Hernia?

Hernias can occur in a variety of ways, but most occur when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This often results in a bulge in the groin or stomach region that aches and burns. Depending on where the hernia occurs, it may also cause swelling of the testicles, heartburn, and vomiting. The primary concern with a hernia is small intestine strangulation. This occurs when the hernia blocks blood supply to the small intestines. Hernias typically require either open or laparoscopic surgery and may also require the use of hernia mesh. Hernia mesh is used to repair both ventral and inguinal hernias.

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What Are Hernia Mesh Products?

There are a wide variety of hernia mesh products. Hernia meshes are loose, flexible meshes that are used during hernia surgery to support weakened or damaged tissue in order to aid in the healing process and prevent future hernias.  Some patients who had a hernia mesh implant to treat a hernia have experienced complications including infections, adhesions, hernia recurrence, additional corrective surgery hernia recurrence, bowel perforation or obstruction, or other medical conditions.

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There are a variety of hernia mesh products still in use today that have not been recalled by the FDA. PWHD’s attorneys are currently investigating hernia mesh claims related to the following products.

 

Polypropylene Hernia Mesh Products:

PHYSIOMESH

Physiomesh Flexible Composite Mesh is a type of polypropylene hernia mesh made and released by Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary, Ethicon, in October 2010. Physiomesh is intended for use in laparoscopic surgery and is designed to reinforce the abdominal wall to prevent future hernias from occurring.

In April 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted 510(k) clearance to Physiomesh, meaning Physiomesh was not required to undergo FDA review or clinical trials to evaluate its safety before it was placed on the market. Johnson & Johnson recalled its product in May 2016, after unpublished studies demonstrated that Physiomesh had a higher hernia recurrence and reoperation rate than the average rates of other meshes on the market. The FDA has analyzed potential hernia repair surgery complications in situations where hernia mesh was used, and this review found that the most common adverse effects include pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion, and bowel obstruction.  Other potential complications include mesh migration and mesh shrinkage.

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C.R. BARD HERNIA MESH

C.R.Bard is the manufacturer of a variety of hernia mesh products, including SepraMesh, Ventralex, Bard 3D Max, Kugel, Kugel Composix Mesh, PerFix Plug, Ventrio, Ventrio ST, Composix E/X Mesh, Visilex, Spermatix and Marlex.

C.R. Bard meshes are made of a material called Marlex HGX-030-01, which is a polypropylene resin. Extensive scientific research shows that polypropylene degrades in the human body. When the material degrades, it can break off inside the body resulting in injuries and complications.

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PWHD is currently investigating claims for individuals who have undergone hernia surgery involving Physiomesh, C.R. Bard, and other hernia meshes, and who later experienced medical complications.

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If you or a loved one have undergone hernia surgery using a hernia mesh product and have experienced medical complications, our products liability attorneys would like to talk to you. You can discuss your potential claim with us at no cost by calling us today at 757-223-4500 or filling out our online contact form.