Johnson & Johnson and subsidiary Ethicon are facing a growing number of legal claims from patients alleging they suffered hernia mesh problems.

One of the most recent claims was filed by a man claiming the companies failed to warn him of the serious symptoms of hernia mesh problems, which allegedly caused him chronic complications.

Plaintiff Joseph S. states the hernia mesh complications caused serious damage to his bowels and also caused him to develop a serious fever. According to his hernia mesh lawsuit, he had the Proceed Surgical Mesh implanted on Feb. 6, 2008, to repair a ventral incisional hernia.

The Proceed Surgical Mesh consists of several different layers, including a polypropylene mesh that is meant to spur inflammation in the abdominal muscles. By causing an inflammatory response in the muscles surrounding the hernia, it encourages self healing and helps biologically integrating the mesh.

However, the polypropylene material can sometimes cause adverse symptoms of hernia mesh problems that can result in devastating complications for patients. This was allegedly the case with Joseph, who says he had to undergo revision surgery due to the painful symptoms and other hernia mesh problems he suffered.

According to the hernia mesh lawsuit, Joseph had the Proceed Surgical mesh product removed on Feb. 3, 2010; however, there were problems noted in the surgery. Doctors noted a lot of purulent fluid had completely contaminated the mesh and that the small bowel sustained serious damage, the lawsuit says.

Surgeons allegedly had to break down adhesions to remove the infected mesh, and had to remove the damaged portion of Joseph’s bowel.

Even though he had the hernia mesh product removed, Joseph says he continues to suffer symptoms of hernia mesh problems. This includes a higher risk of serious complications during an abdominal surgery, as well as limits the number of abdominal operations that can be performed on him in general.

Overview of Hernia Mesh Complications

Surgical mesh has been used for hernia repair for years, and many of the hernia mesh products contain a polypropylene layer. Mesh by Bard, Ethicon and other companies all fall into this category.

While inflammation is supposed to help encourage the healing process, it can lead to problems if it does not settle, or if it causes an allergic reaction. Signs of hernia mesh infection include fever and other flu like symptoms, as well as the incision site not properly healing.

If the hernia mesh infection is not properly treated, biofilms may form. These are highly organized colonies of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotic treatment. This means biofilms are only treatable through revision surgery, which explants the contaminated mesh.

Other symptoms of hernia mesh problems can include, but are not limited to:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Adhesions
• Obstructions
• Mesh migration
• Bacterial infections
• Hernia recurrence

Even though hernia mesh complications can be devastating, Johnson & Johnson failed to disclose this information to the public, leading to a number of mesh lawsuits around the country. In fact, Joseph’s hernia mesh lawsuit is joining MDL No. 8526, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar symptoms of hernia mesh problems.

Joseph’s claim is seeking a multitude of damages, including counts of negligence and failure to warn.

His Hernia Mesh Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-17553-FLW-DEA, in the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Middlesex County.