If you’re confused about if and why your hernia mesh is torn following hernia surgery, you may be surprised to learn this is a known complication. You may have been implanted with a defective hernia mesh device. This condition can cause other painful and expensive-to-repair conditions, as well.

If the hernia mesh given to you was defective and you’ve suffered numerous issues as a result, it’s up to you to determine if and how you want to hold the manufacturer accountable.

Plenty of other consumers have had this experience, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and chose to file lawsuits against the device makers.

What symptoms are tied to torn hernia mesh?

When a patient experiences problems with their hernia mesh after surgery, it’s important these are reported to a physician as soon as possible. This is because these symptoms could become more severe and require additional surgeries or treatments.

Common symptoms of hernia mesh injuries include bloating, buildup of fluid in the area around the hernia mesh, hot skin near the incision site, problems with wound healing, nausea or vomiting, and  chronic pain. If these symptoms occur any time after the hernia mesh is implanted, this should be shared with a primary care doctor or the surgeon because the mesh might have to be removed.

If the hernia mesh is torn, it defeats the purpose of having it implanted because the patient is now dealing with more medical issues. Many patients have reported these issues with hernia mesh symptoms, according to The BMJ.

Can torn hernia mesh cause other problems?

The side effects for someone whose hernia mesh is torn varies by patient, but many with defective medical devices have reported similar symptoms. In most cases, torn mesh is a serious issue that should prompt your doctors to remove it immediately.

If the mesh is not taken out at the early signs of complications, it could lead to other issues, such as bowel obstruction, chronic pain, hernia recurrence, infection, nerve damage, and mesh migration.

If not treated immediately, these complications could lead to long-term issues or even threaten the patient’s life.

How it torn hernia mesh diagnosed?

It’s always important to note you had a recent surgery if you suspect your hernia mesh is torn. Diagnosis can be difficult, but doctors may rely on different imaging tests, such as a CT scan or others, to determine whether or not there are internal problems causing you pain and discomfort.

In some cases, determining a hernia mesh is torn can be difficult. Sometimes, a diagnosis is reached if the symptoms do not appear to be caused by another factor. However, informing a doctor you previously had hernia repair surgery involving a mesh can be key to getting a diagnosis for these symptoms.

Some patients do not recognize their symptoms as being connected to hernia mesh failure if their hernia mesh surgery was a long time ago and they experienced no complications. However, even hernia mesh that functioned well for many years could be susceptible to a tear or other kinds of failure.

Do I have to get surgery if the mesh is torn?

Torn mesh is not a condition that will clear up inside your body without additional treatment. The most commonly recommended course is to have the mesh taken out entirely so your body can heal.

Going through an additional surgery carries risks of other complications, like infection, inflammation, and problems at the surgical site.

Is hernia mesh seen as safe?

There is no perfect mesh yet, though experts have determined the benefits associated with hernia mesh largely outweigh the risks. To this day, hernia mesh use is regarded as the “gold standard” for hernia mesh repair, Stony Brook University’s Renaissance School of Medicine says. This has been the case for around the last 50 years. 

Before hernia mesh was introduced, hernias were repaired by sewing up the hole of the hernia. This method led to a hernia recurring between 25 and 50% of the time. These numbers improved with the instruction of hernia mesh use — now, hernias recur less than 10% of the time.

Some products are more likely to tear and rip than others. Recalls that began around 2010 have been fairly effective in getting dangerous hernia mesh products off the market. The problems associated with the mesh products were linked mainly to manufacturing and design flaws, according to the University of California, Irvine.

Do I have any legal rights?

A growing number of people are coming forward with allegations of hernia mesh complications.

If you think you suffered problems from a defective hernia mesh, you may have grounds to pursue a lawsuit with the help of an attorney. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by defective hernia mesh complications, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses and lost wages, as well as hold companies responsible.

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