Hernia mesh rejection is when the body’s immune system has identified the mesh as a foreign invader and goes on the attack against it. In order to halt the process which can make the recipient very ill, the mesh must be removed.

Hernia mesh rejection is just one of several hernia mesh side effects that may occur after a surgical repair. The hernia mesh rejection rate depends upon the type of mesh used and the area repaired.

What is a hernia and what is hernia mesh?

Hernia mesh is considered a medical device used to provide additional support to tissues weakened as the result of a hernia, a condition resulting from weakened or damaged tissue allowing organs to form a bulge into another area of the body, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Hernias often occur in the abdomen due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall. The most common symptom is a palpable bulge or lump in the area that may disappear when laying down, but become more prominent when standing.

Hernia mesh can be made of sterilized biological material from another mammal such as a cow or pig skin or colon, or made from synthetic materials that are woven or not woven.

Biologically-based hernia mesh leans toward being absorbable. This means that it will not last forever, but will provide necessary support for a time and then eventually degrade — allowing the body time to strengthen the area of the hernia of its own accord.

Synthetic hernia mesh can be both absorbable and non-absorbable, as explained by the FDA. When non-absorbable is a viable choice, it is intended to be a permanent fixture and is best used in weakened recurrent hernia areas.

There are six main types of hernias, with inguinal hernias of the inner groin area being the most common. Inguinal hernias make up 75% of all hernias.

The remaining 25% of hernias include:

• Hiatal hernias in the upper abdomen and stomach
• Umbilical hernias
• Ventral hernias that occur in the abdominal wall
• Femoral hernias occurring in the upper side, outer groin or labia area (more common in women)
• Incisional hernias that occur following surgical procedures, including C-sections

Hernias can be present at birth or can develop at any point in a person’s lifetime.

Unfortunately, the use of hernia mesh is not without risks. Hernia mesh failure can manifest in a number of ways, from infection, perforation, and migration long after the mesh is introduced to the body to rejection shortly after the mesh implantation surgery.

When is hernia mesh rejection likely to be experienced?

Symptoms of hernia mesh rejection are likely to be experienced in the first few days and weeks after hernia repair using mesh. These symptoms are most likely to first be experienced as unexplained fever, chills, and muscle aches. As the process progresses, the patient may then have nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, along with chronic pain.

Some patients’ bodies may produce an autoimmune response that causes the mesh to be rejected, which can cause pain or itching.

Furthermore, organized bacterial colonies called biofilms can be formed, which are often antibiotic resistant. At this point, revision surgery may be needed to remove hernia mesh.

Finally, numerous patients have reportedly suffered from dental problems while contending with hernia mesh rejection.

Some hernia mesh products have caused more issues than others. In May 2016, Ethicon issued a Market Withdrawal of its Physiomesh products, specifically the Physiomesh Composite Mesh and Laparoscopic Hernia Kits. While the company does not officially consider this action a recall, its products were removed from the market at this time.

In a statement, Ethicon noted that, “The recurrence, reoperation rates (respectively) after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using ETHICON PHYSIOMESH Composite Mesh were higher than the average rates of the comparator set of meshes among patients in these registries.”

What are other mesh complications and when are they likely to occur?

Of even more concern, is when a device has been in for some time and a patient forgets about it. Complications from mesh tearing to mesh shrinkage and migration from original positioning can be significant and symptoms not linked to the product by the patient. This can lead to false or misdiagnoses.

The main complications associated with hernia mesh in general, according to UCI Health, are adhesions, intestinal obstructions, infections, fistulas, seromas, and perforations.

Adhesions are scar tissues that glue tissues together and limit functions. On a large level, a fistula is an abnormal connection between organs forged by this scar tissue which can interfere with the tasks each anatomical system is assigned.

Bowel obstruction means that the small or large intestine has become so affected by scar tissue, mesh migration, or perforation that the patient can no longer pass stools. It is a very deadly condition marked by abdominal distension, severe pain, and changes in skin coloring.

A seroma is a collection of fluid build-up at the site of the hernia repair.

Over time, hernia mesh may degrade and break apart, allowing tiny pieces to migrate and perforate surrounding organs or even cause nerve damage.

UCI Health indicates that a risk-benefit analysis needs to be completed on each patient to make a decision about the best course of action when it comes to hernia repair. It does claim that the chances of recurrence of a hernia are least likely when a hernia is repaired using stitches with synthetic mesh. The medical facility also acknowledges the recall of problematic versions of mesh that have cleared the way for more trusted products on the market. Nevertheless, no hernia repair is without its dangers.

Can mesh be removed?

The short answer is: yes. However, the procedure can be difficult and dangerous, particularly if it has become stuck to and entangled with tissues of nearby organs, such as the bladder or intestines. In such cases, according to Shouldice Hospital, attempting to remove the mesh entails risk of injury to the organ itself. There are a number of surgeons in recent years who have studied the problem thoroughly; new and improved techniques for hernia removal continue in development.

Filing a hernia mesh lawsuit

A growing number of hernia mesh patients are coming forward with allegations of serious hernia mesh injuries, alleging that they were not adequately warned about these risks.

If you or someone you love has suffered from these or other hernia mesh injuries, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by hernia mesh complications, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Pursuing litigation can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.