Hernia mesh is a medical device that’s used in the overwhelming majority of hernia surgeries in the United States. A hernia typically occurs when tissue from an organ is displaced and protrudes through an opening. Hernia mesh is attached to the area around a hernia surgery site to support damaged tissue while it’s healing. As the mesh is porous, tissue will actually grow into the mesh. Issues that sometimes arise with hernia mesh are complications that require its removal. One of those issues involves ripping or tearing of the mesh. There are a number of signals or symptoms that will point to this. Here’s how to know if hernia mesh ripped.
Causes of Hernia Mesh Rips
There are any number of reasons why implanted hernia mesh might rip. The consensus of opinion from experienced product liability lawyers is that the rips are caused by defective hernia mesh. Secondary causes might range from mesh migration to growths developing from bunched up mesh, mesh adhesion, shrinkage erosion into organs or bowel obstruction. What’s certain is that hernia mesh rips are dangerous to patients.
Signs and Symptoms of Hernia Mesh Rips
There are also a wide variety of signs and symptoms of hernia mesh rips and tears. Here are a few of them:
- Abdominal bloating and difficulty or inability to pass stool.
- Unusually slow healing around the site of the surgery.
- Pain and an unusually warm sensation around the surgical site.
- Fever and/or chills along with nausea and/or vomiting.
- Surgical site pain with activity or even just movement.
- A palpable lump at the surgical site.
What to Do if You Believe Your Mesh is Ripping or Failing its Intended Purpose
Take notice that mesh failure might not be noticeable for months or even years after a hernia surgery. If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, it’s likely time for you to make an appointment with a doctor to be evaluated. It doesn’t have to be with the same doctor that performed your surgery either. Then, you’ll need to know what type of mesh was used. Some hernia mesh products are more susceptible to failure than others. You can learn much by simply getting a copy of your hospital and surgical records from the facility that you had your surgery at.
Some surgical mesh products have been recalled by manufacturers voluntarily. Others have been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA points to mesh products as being the main causes of bowel obstructions and perforations. After undergoing hernia mesh surgery, monitor your condition closely and see a doctor right away if anything out of the ordinary occurs.
