Hernia Mesh Revision Surgery
The risk for hernia recurrence increases from repair to repair. Surgical mesh is a medical device used to provide additional support to weakened or damaged tissue. Despite reduced rates of hernia recurrence with some mesh implants, there are situations where the use of surgical mesh for hernia repair may not be recommended.
The risk of long-term mesh-related complications for mesh repairs partially offset the benefits of mesh devices. Patients in Ohio should talk to their surgeons about their specific circumstances and possible alternatives for hernia repair.
The choice of a medical strategy and surgical technique can be more important in the treatment of recurrent hernias than in other areas of hernia surgery. Repairs in recurrent hernias have to take into account the prior device or implant used, the number of times the hernia has recurred, and the type of hernias.
Hernia recurrence may occur as a result of different causes and promoting factors, though hernia signs and symptoms include typically present the same way:
- A bulge in the area on either side of the pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when upright, especially if coughing or straining
- A burning or aching sensation at the hernia bulge
- Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
- A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin
- Weakness or pressure in the groin
- Pain and swelling around the testicles if hernia descends into scrotum
Hernia Mesh Implant Safety Risks
Based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) analysis of medical device adverse event reports and scientific literature, the most experienced adverse events for all surgical repair of hernias are pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion, abdominal obstruction, bleeding, fistula, seroma, and tissue perforation.
Mesh migration after mesh inguinal hernia repair is unpredictable. A previous report has presented complications related to prosthetics in hernia repair, such as infection, bowel blockage, bowel perforation, contraction, rejection, and, rarely, mesh migration. Mesh migration may occur as an early or late complication after an operation. The most common hernia mesh injury reports include the following:
• Pain
• Infection
• Fistula
• Hernia recurrence
• Adhesion
• Bowel obstruction
• Mesh migration
• Mesh shrinkage (contraction)
• Seroma
Hernia Mesh Infection
Mesh infection is feared because it is difficult to eradicate without removing the mesh. To make matter worse, infection can become clinically apparent many years after implantation.
Although widely used a precaution, there is no evidence that prophylaxis with antibiotics offers any protection against possible infection. Microporous meshes are at higher risk of infection because macrophages and neutrophils are unable to enter small pores.
Hernia Mesh Injury
Growing evidence in the medical field suggests that mesh removal, which is deemed necessary in many situations may cause infection, and permanent injury like chronic pelvic pain. Some estimates say nearly one in three patients who have mesh implants removed will suffer from chronic pain for years after the operation.
In severe cases, the mesh may cause infection, bowel protrusion, or even death. Despite the large numbers of post-operative complications, patients have difficulty finding doctors willing to remove the mesh.
The associated pain is not caused by simply having synthetic mesh, it’s typically the fact that the mesh is secured with stitches that sometimes become entangled with sensitive nerves. As the body begins its repair process, the mesh moves with the abdomen and over time can stretch, causing a feeling of tearing or burning pain.
Hernia Mesh Injury Settlements
Defective hernia mesh litigation helps to improve patient safety and holds medical device companies accountable when hernia products injure plaintiffs and clients. Settlements can be crucial for victims and patients who struggle to cope with serious injury and to pay for substantial medical costs.