What is Hernia Mesh Adhesion?

What is hernia mesh adhesion?

Hernia mesh adhesion is a complication following hernia repair surgery. After you undergo hernia repair surgery, your body begins the healing process. Unfortunately, the resulting scar tissue can connect the organs and impede the ability of the organs to function correctly. The resulting scar tissue is adhesion.

Hernias can occur in different areas of the body but typically happen around your abdominal area. One of the most common surgical procedures in the United States is the repair of an abdominal wall hernia.

When a person undergoes hernia repair surgery, a hernia mesh is often used to strengthen the repair and lessen the chances of recurrence. Hernia mesh is a surgical mesh that is used to provide extra support to tissue that is weakened or damaged. Surgical mesh can be made from synthetic materials or animal tissue. Surgical mesh made from animal tissue will eventually be absorbed by the body. Mesh that cannot be absorbed by the body is meant to provide permanent support.

When do hernia mesh adhesions develop complications?

Hernia mesh adhesions are a common occurrence following hernia repair surgery. However, not all hernia mesh adhesions develop complications. There is no set timeline for hernia mesh adhesions to develop complications. In some patients, complications occur immediately, while in others, complications may not develop for months or even years following surgery.

Hernia mesh adhesion complications should be taken seriously. It can be painful and cause serious health risks. The most common complication from hernia repair surgery in the abdomen is bowel obstruction. Chronic pain in the region, as well as tissue death, can also occur.

Malfunctioning hernia mesh increases the risk of hernia mesh adhesions and resulting complications. However, adhesions after hernia repair are not the only possible complication. A malfunctioning hernia mesh may increase scarring and can cause additional complications like infection and hernia mesh migration. If you are concerned about these or other complications, talk to your doctor.

Which kinds of hernia mesh are prone to developing adhesion?

Due to the surgery and healing process, any type of hernia mesh can develop adhesions. However, some hernia mesh implants are more prone to developing adhesions than others.

As mentioned above, hernia mesh devices can be made from different materials. Some materials are more prone to developing adhesions, including polypropylene, monofilament polyester textile, and Omega-3. The following implants are more prone to developing adhesion:

• The C-Qur, initially manufactured by Atrium, featured an Omega-3 barrier that has been linked to adhesions.
• The Physiomesh by Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, was withdrawn from the markets in 2016 for related problems, including adhesion.
• C.R. Bard (acquired by BD (Becton, Dickinson, and Company)) has several hernia mesh implants that have been linked to health complications, including mesh adhesion. Notable implants include the 3DMax, the Composix Kugel Mesh, and the Sepramesh.

If you have any of the above hernia mesh implants, you should look for hernia mesh adhesions symptoms, including those discussed below.

Hernia mesh adhesion symptoms.

Hernia mesh adhesions do not always show up with symptoms. Depending on when a person begins to develop hernia mesh adhesion symptoms, they may attribute their symptoms to another illness or disorder. This is especially common when hernia mesh adhesion symptoms show up months or years after the original surgery.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be related to your hernia mesh, you should seek medical help immediately. The following are a handful of adhesion symptoms you may experience:

• Chronic pain
• Discomfort
• Fever
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Inability to pass gas
• Swelling
• Bloating

Abdominal adhesions can cause bowel obstruction. Many of the above symptoms are related to bowel obstruction. Bowel obstruction can cause additional symptoms and can be life-threatening. If you are experiencing symptoms of a bowel obstruction, seek medical attention immediately.

How is hernia mesh adhesion treated?

How hernia mesh adhesion is treated is up to the patient and their physician. If the patient has few to no symptoms, treatment may be minimal. This may include managing symptoms with pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.

Diagnosing and treating hernia mesh adhesion often requires surgery. Unfortunately, for most patients, surgery to treat adhesion is a double-edged sword. This is because surgery to remove the adhesions can result in more adhesions forming.

Hernia mesh adhesions can be treated with open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to operate small incisions with the aid of a tiny camera.

When Should I Contact a Lawyer About My Hernia Mesh Adhesion?

After you’ve consulted your doctor and determined that you need additional surgery to repair damage from hernia mesh adhesion, your next call should be to a personal injury lawyer to see if you are entitled to compensation for your injury. A personal injury lawyer will protect your rights and advocate for your position. The attorney can file a tort claim on your behalf to hold the responsible parties accountable for your pain and suffering.

Have You Experienced Hernia Mesh Adhesion?

If you have experienced hernia mesh adhesion, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact the Guardian Legal Network to find a hernia mesh attorney who can get you the justice you deserve. An experienced attorney can answer your questions and provide insight regarding hernia mesh lawsuits.

References

• “Hernia Surgical Mesh Implants“, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/hernia-surgical-mesh-implants. Accessed October 27, 2022.
• “Abdominal Wall Hernia.” ScienceDirect, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/abdominal-wall-hernia. Accessed October 27, 2022.
• Hardin, Eugene, and Christopher Westfall. “Adhesions.” eMedicineHealth, https://www.emedicinehealth.com/adhesions_general_and_after_surgery/article_em.htm. Accessed October 27, 2022.