Hernia Mesh Medical Complications Continue to Ruin Patients’ Lives

Previously, I discussed the thousands of lawsuits that have been filed against hernia surgical mesh implant manufacturers such as C.R. Bard, Johnson & Johnson, Atrium and Gore. Hernia mesh is a net-like sheet that is used in over one million hernia repairs in the United States, accounting for about 90 percent of all hernia repairs.

Hernia mesh is implanted in patients with weakened tissues to repair a hernia, which occurs when an organ bursts through a weakened cavity wall.

Hernia mesh is designed to alleviate the pain and other negative health consequences that come with a hernia by patching up the weakened cavity wall. In many cases, however, hernia mesh is instead causing devastating side effects in patients – many of who are left suffering for years. These complications are often only solvable through additional revision surgeries to remove the mesh.

Possible side effects from defective hernia mesh include:

• Need to corrective or repair surgeries
• Abscess or fistula formation
• Bleeding
• Chronic pain or discomfort
• Flu-like symptoms (e.g., chills, fever and vomiting)
• Infections
• Inflammation
• Mental health issues
• Mesh erosion
• Organ perforations
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Scarring
• Sepsis

The pain and suffering experienced by victims of defective hernia mesh cannot be fully emphasized with a list of symptoms and complications. People’s lives are being ruined. One Texas woman, Carmen Pacheco, has undergone three hernia surgeries, visited the hospital over 60 times and is now bedridden, living in severe pain and facing enormous medical bills: “I can’t do nothing now. I can’t even eat.”

Other victims of defective hernia mesh have discussed the negative impact postoperative complications have had on their emotional wellbeing. Debbie Van Dyk has had chronic pain from her hernia mesh repair for over a decade, causing her to spiral into severe depression and suicidality: “I have no life and I don’t want to be here anymore. I have tried to end my life a few times — quite a few times.”

The law firm of Childers, Schlueter, & Smith (also known as The Dangerous Drug & Device Attorneys) is well-versed in drug and medical device litigation and might be able to help you or a loved one who is suffering due to complications caused by a defective hernia mesh implant. If you have questions, please give our hernia mesh lawyers a call at 1-800-641-0098. All initial inquiries are free of charge, without obligation and completely confidential.