The personal injury lawyers at Moore Law Firm in Mobile, Alabama are always prepared to take on a new medical device case in order to help as many of our clients as possible. Recently, we’ve been investigating cases of personal injury caused by recalled and non-recalled hernia mesh implants, such as the Atrium C-QUR patch and Ethicon Physiomesh. Both types are composed of polypropylene mesh, but Atrium C-QUR is also coated with Omega-3 fatty acids, and Ethicon Physiomesh features polymer coatings (polydioxanone and monocryl). Since both types have been associated with complications following hernia repair surgery, we’re dedicated to ensuring that patients receive the compensation they deserve.
Hernia Mesh Complications
Hernias occur when an organ, intestine or section of tissue starts to squeeze through a hole or weak spot in surrounding muscles and connective tissue. To correct this problem, doctors often perform surgery to repair the weakened area. A common technique that surgeons incorporate into this type of repair surgery is to use surgical mesh to help strengthen the area, effectively reducing the chances of hernia recurrence later on and reducing the amount of time spent in recovery. According to the FDA, it’s not absolutely necessary to use mesh, but non-mesh procedures are usually reserved for infant inguinal hernias, small hernias and strangulated or infected hernias.
If you’ve had hernia repair surgery in recent years, then doctors have most likely used a type of hernia mesh while operating. Some types, like Atrium C-QUR and Ethicon Physiomesh, have been known to cause complications post-operatively. Some of them include, but are not limited to:
- Adhesions
- Infections/sepsis
- Mesh migration
- Obstruction
- Perforation
- Fistula
- Seroma
- Nerve damage
- Abdominal, leg, groin and testicular pain
- Dyspareunia
- Hernia recurrence
- Death
If you’ve experienced any of these complications, or additional complications that have not been mentioned, and your implant took place between 2010 and now, then you may be eligible to file a lawsuit for wrongful personal injury. Cases prior to 2010 will not be viable, as composite mesh was rarely used before then. The decision not to accept pre-2010 cases also takes into account the risk of not being able to identify medical records older than seven years and the increased risk of statutes of limitations and repose concerns.
Does This Describe Your Situation?
If you’ve experienced the above-mentioned complications, or recently underwent hernia repair surgery and are starting to notice the warning signs of mesh failure – fever, tenderness, nausea, diarrhea, abnormal bowel movements, inflammation and abdominal distention – then contact Moore Law Firm as soon as possible. Having served over 12,000 personal injury victims since 1985, we are confident we can help you regain any expenses you lost due to faulty hernia mesh.