C.R. Bard and subsidiary Davol Inc. are facing a new hernia mesh lawsuit, alleging the companies’ Composix Kugel Mesh had caused the claimant to suffer a serious hernia mesh infection.

The hernia mesh lawsuit was filed by a woman from Louisiana, alleging the companies failed to warn her against the allegedly defective nature of their product including the potential for hernia mesh infection.

Plaintiff Vickie B. allegedly developed a hernia mesh infection soon after having the Composix Kugel Mesh implanted, which she says permanently compounded her health problems.

Bard and Davol marketed the Composix Kugel Mesh as safe and effective for hernia repair, says Vickie, touting that the product is composed of a polypropylene material that is supposed to encourage healing in the surgical area. With these benefits in mind, Vickie underwent ventral hernia repair surgery and had the Composix Kugel Mesh implanted on Aug. 19, 2008.

However, Vickie reportedly developed hernia mesh infection at some point after the surgery and eventually had to seek medical attention. Vickie had been suffering from severe pain, swelling, and abdominal discomfort, and had to undergo revision surgery on Jan. 24, 2011.

The Composix Kugel Mesh was removed and the lawsuit alleges that during the removal surgeons discovered signs of hernia mesh infection. Vickie says she has since been contending with the long term complications associated with revision surgery, and opted to file legal action after discovering the Bard and Davol may have known about an increased risk of hernia mesh infection.

Overview of Hernia Mesh Infection Complications

The hernia mesh complications that Vickie and other patients suffered often stem from the polypropylene mesh material. Many hernia mesh products are reportedly made of this material.

The polypropylene material deliberately spurs inflammation inside the patient, which is supposed to promote healing and muscle repair in the hernia area. However, there are times when the inflammation causes dangerous reactions.

In these cases, a hernia mesh infection can form and can cause serious health problems for patients. Hernia mesh infection can sometimes lead to the development of biofilms, which are highly organized and resilient forms of bacterial colonies. Biofilms are dangerous because they are resistant to antibiotic treatment, and can often only be resolved through revision surgery.

Patients suffering from a hernia mesh infection may discover that their incision site is warm and not healing properly, with flu like symptoms following soon after.

In addition, it has been found that patients suffering from hernia mesh infection often develop dental problems. Patients who suffer these effects often have to undergo revision, which is considered riskier than the initial implant procedure.

Prior to undergoing hernia repair surgery, Vickie says that she and her physician had no knowledge of the potential complications associated with the Composix Kugel Mesh including the effects of hernia mesh infection.

At all times relevant, Vickie and her physician relied on the product information and marketing materials presented by Bard and Davol. Vickie states that she would not have agreed to have the Composix Kugel Mesh implanted if she had known the risks of hernia mesh infection.

This Hernia Mesh Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00781-JWD-EWD, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, Baton Rouge Division.