The Hernia Mesh Problem
Hernia mesh has been used in surgical repairs for decades, and while it can be effective, certain products have been linked to a pattern of serious complications that have resulted in thousands of lawsuits against manufacturers including Bard, Atrium, Ethicon, and Covidien.
If you had hernia mesh surgery and are experiencing ongoing symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation — and you may not even realize it.
Common Signs of a Defective Hernia Mesh
The following symptoms, particularly when they occur months or years after surgery, may indicate a problem with your mesh implant:
- Chronic pain at or near the surgical site
- Mesh migration — the mesh shifts from its original position
- Mesh shrinkage or contraction causing pulling or tightness
- Adhesions — the mesh adheres to surrounding tissue or organs
- Bowel obstruction or digestive complications
- Infection that does not respond to antibiotics
- Hernia recurrence after repair
- Fistula formation — abnormal connections between organs
Why These Complications Happen
Many hernia mesh products were cleared through the FDA's 510(k) pathway, which allows devices to reach market without clinical trials if they are deemed "substantially equivalent" to a previously approved device. Critics have argued this process is inadequate for implantable devices, and a number of mesh products have since been recalled or withdrawn.
Design defects — including the use of materials that degrade inside the body, improper pore sizes, and coatings that cause inflammatory responses — have been identified in litigation as contributing factors to patient harm.
Steps to Take If You've Been Harmed
- See your doctor. Document your symptoms and get imaging if recommended. A formal diagnosis is important for any legal claim.
- Keep records. Save all medical records, surgical reports, and billing statements related to your hernia surgery and any subsequent treatment.
- Identify your mesh product. Your surgeon's operative report should identify the manufacturer and product name of the mesh used. This is critical information.
- Act promptly. Statute of limitations periods vary by state — in many states you have only 2-3 years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury.
- Consult an attorney. A mass tort attorney can evaluate whether your specific product has been subject to recalls, MDL proceedings, or settlement programs.
The Legal Landscape
Hernia mesh litigation is currently one of the most active areas of mass tort law. Several MDLs are pending in federal court, and individual cases continue to go to trial with significant verdicts in favor of plaintiffs.
Contact Triten Law
Our attorneys have experience in hernia mesh litigation and can review your situation at no cost. If you believe your complications may be related to a defective mesh product, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
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