5 Warning Signs of Abdominal Mesh Complications

Most people who suffer from abdominal hernias require a surgical procedure to repair the problem. The surgery heavily relies on a hernia mesh—a surgical implant. Studies show that nearly one-third of the people who undergo hernia surgeries experience some sort of complication. 

Those experiencing severe difficulties should file an abdominal mesh lawsuit against specific mesh manufacturers or a medical malpractice lawsuit. The FDA has recalled some devices due to adverse failure cases.

What is an abdominal mesh/hernia mesh?

An abdominal or a hernia mesh is a surgical device implanted in the abdomen to support weak tissue or close an opening in the damaged muscle. It is the most preferred procedure for repairing hernias because it minimizes the chances of recurrence. While the device can work well for some people, others suffer a range of complications immediately after the surgery or years later. Here are some of the common warning signs that an abdominal mesh is failing.

Pain

Although it is normal to feel some mild pain and discomfort days after the implant, severe pains that persist at the incision area may be a sign of a failing mesh. People who undergo hernia surgery are advised to be careful with their bodies because chronic pain, inflammation, thrombosis, infections, or other internal injuries could emerge even years after the implant. 

Bowel Obstruction

If the mesh adheres to intestine walls, it can cause blockage and obstruction of bowel movements. According to the FDA, recalled mesh products were the leading cause of bowel perforation in America. The common symptoms of bowel obstruction are vomiting, cramping, bloating, and inability to pass gas. If left untreated, bowel obstruction may lead to a life-threatening disease called septic shock, characterized by insufficient blood flow in the intestines.

Adhesions

Adhesions are scar-like tissues that form between two body surfaces, causing them to stick together. Mainly the body forms adhesions due to traumatic injury or a foreign object like hernia mesh. 67 to 93 percent of abdominal surgery patients are believed to suffer from adhesions. Although the body naturally repairs itself, sometimes patients with adhesion complications require another surgery to fix the problem.

Infections

Studies show that up to 8 percent of patients who undergo hernia mesh repair develop infections. The risk of diseases is greater in patients with diabetes and obesity. Open procedures also expose the patients to higher risks of infections than laparoscopic ones. As the conditions surface, you may develop high fevers, chills, malaise pain, skin redness, tenderness, abdominal pain, and swelling.

Erectile Dysfunction

Men with mesh implants may experience erectile dysfunction, especially those with inguinal hernias. Although the cause of sexual dysfunction varies across patients, it can partly be attributed to inflammation caused by the mesh. Spermatic cords and nerves may also stick to the device, and when that happens, the sexual system becomes non-responsive.

Revision Surgery

There might be instances where you will require additional or revision surgery to fix a prior mesh procedure. Depending on the reason for this additional surgery, you may experience further and additional lifelong side effects. 

What should you do if you have abdominal mesh complications?

Patients who have undergone hernia mesh repair need to be aware of any changes in their bodies. If any of the above symptoms are evident, they should urgently seek medical help and file an abdominal mesh lawsuit for compensation from the manufacturer.

However, sometimes the complication may be a result of medical negligence. In that case, a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice lawsuits can help determine if there is a reason to file a suit.

For help with abdominal mesh lawsuits, contact Napoli Shkolnik for a free case evaluation with a skilled medical negligence attorney.