What Is Hernia Mesh?
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A number of these involve hernia mesh implants, which are intended to reduce the rate of hernia recurrence. However, studies and reports have shown that up to 30% of patients may experience complications related to hernia mesh, such as chronic pain, infection, or mesh failure.¹ If you're suffering from these serious complications, the legal team at Muller Brazil is here to support you with a defective hernia mesh lawsuit.
Hernia mesh is a medical device commonly used in hernia repair surgeries to strengthen or support weakened or damaged tissue. Typically, it’s made from synthetic materials like polypropylene or bioabsorbable materials that degrade over time. The mesh acts as a scaffold to provide extra support to the healing tissues around the hernia site, ideally preventing the hernia from recurring.
Types of Hernia Mesh
- Synthetic Mesh: The most common type, made from various plastics, designed to permanently integrate with the body’s tissue.
- Biologic Mesh: Made from animal tissues, such as pig or cow, that are suitable for implantation and encourage tissue growth.
Common Uses
Hernia mesh is used in various types of hernia repair surgeries, including:
- Inguinal Hernias: Hernias in the groin area, the most common type of hernia.
- Incisional Hernias: Occurring through a scar after abdominal surgery.
- Femoral Hernias: Less common and occur near the upper thigh or outer groin.
Despite its benefits, hernia mesh is not without risks. Complications can arise, such as mesh migration, where the mesh moves from its original position, or mesh failure, which might require revision surgery. Other complications include:
- Infection
- Chronic pain
- Adverse reactions to the mesh material itself
Why Is Hernia Repair With Mesh Common?
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Hernia repair with mesh has become a standard medical practice due to its effectiveness in reducing the rate of hernia recurrence. The use of hernia mesh in surgeries provides several benefits that have made it popular among surgeons and patients alike.
Benefits of Hernia Mesh
- Reduced Recurrence Rates: Studies have shown that using mesh lowers the chances of a hernia returning compared to surgery without mesh.
- Versatility: Hernia mesh can be used in various types of hernias, including inguinal, femoral, and incisional hernias, making it a versatile tool in a surgeon's repertoire.
- Durability: The materials used in hernia mesh are designed to withstand the stresses of the body's movements, providing long-term support to the repaired area.
- Quick Recovery: The use of mesh often allows for quicker recovery times, enabling patients to return to their daily activities sooner.
Hernia Mesh Complications
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While hernia mesh is designed to reduce the likelihood of hernia recurrence and support the healing process, it’s not without potential complications. Understanding these risks is important for patients considering or having undergone hernia mesh surgery.
Hernia Recurrence
Despite the use of hernia mesh being associated with reduced recurrence rates, hernia recurrence remains a significant risk:
- Improper Mesh Placement or Fixation: If the mesh is not properly positioned or secured, it can lead to inadequate coverage of the hernia defect, resulting in recurrence.
- Mesh Contraction: Over time, some meshes may shrink or contract, which can diminish their effectiveness and lead to recurrence of the hernia.
- Body's Reaction to Mesh: In some cases, the body may not integrate the mesh well, leading to inflammation or fibrosis, which compromises the stability of the repair and leads to recurrence.
Other Common Risks
- Chronic Pain: One of the most reported complications is chronic pain, which affects the patient's quality of life significantly. This is caused by nerve entrapment, mesh shrinkage, or inflammation.
- Infection: Mesh can introduce risks of infection, which might require treatment with antibiotics or, in severe cases, removal of the mesh.
- Mesh Migration and Erosion: The mesh can migrate from its original position, potentially eroding into nearby organs or tissues and causing severe complications.
- Bowel Obstruction: In cases where the mesh adheres to the intestines, it leads to bowel obstruction, a serious condition that might require surgical intervention.
- Autoimmune Reactions: Some patients may develop an autoimmune response to the mesh, leading to chronic inflammation and other systemic symptoms.
Serious Long-term Complications
- Organ Perforation: Mesh erosion can lead to the perforation of organs such as the intestines, which is a critical condition requiring immediate medical attention.
- Revision Surgery: Due to complications, some patients may need additional surgeries to remove or replace the mesh, which is more complex and riskier than the initial hernia repair.
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