Hernias occur when an organ or tissue squeezes through a hole or an exposed spot in the cavity where it is usually located, displacing the organ/tissue. While some hernias may not be problematic (apart from causing the occasional feeling of discomfort), others can be life-threatening if the affected organ is cut off from blood flow.

To treat hernias, surgeons use hernia mesh implants to return the organ/tissue to its original place and ensure it doesn’t move. Hernia repairs are so common that the FDA reported that U.S. surgeons perform over a million such operations yearly.

Made from durable inorganic and biological materials, mesh implants are meant to be permanent. But some types can fail, causing medical complications for the patient.

Symptoms Of Mesh Failure

There are some telltale signs of a mesh failure, apart from chronic pain from the affected body part. They include:

• Hernia comes back: Perhaps one of the most obvious signs that a mesh failed is if the hernia happens again.
• Bulging or humps: If there is bulging at the surgery spot, it could be a sign that the mesh dislodged. If it is accompanied by pain, it could also be a sign of infection.
• Blocked bowels: Patients experiencing bloating, constipation, nausea, and vomiting may suffer from scar tissue from the implant blocking their bowels.
• Issues with sexual performance: For mesh implants used to treat hernias in men, the mesh can impinge on nerves or the spermatic cord, leading to impotence.

What Causes Mesh Failure?

There can be various reasons why a mesh implant could fail:

• A patient’s pre-existing medical conditions, like anemia, jaundice, arthritis, etc.
• The mesh’s design
• The surgical technique used to implant the mesh

Sometimes, mesh failure is the result of a combination of these factors.

Filing A Lawsuit For Mesh Failure

Patients can have mesh failures fixed through surgery. But if they’re looking for additional compensation for their pain and suffering, they can file a lawsuit for damage. Patients can file a product liability lawsuit for mesh failures caused by poor product design. And for failures caused by a surgeon’s error, they should file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Regardless of which type of lawsuit a patient goes for, they should retain the services of an attorney who can help them navigate the complicated legal process.