What is Hernia Mesh Migration?

What is hernia mesh?

Surgical mesh is a screen-like medical device that provides additional support to weakened or damaged tissue. Surgical mesh can also be used as reinforcement for bone.

Hernia mesh is a type of surgical mesh used to provide additional tissue support during hernia repair surgery. Hernia mesh can be made from synthetic materials or animal tissue.

Most hernia mesh products are made with synthetic material. Hernia mesh made from synthetic material can have several variations, including the following:

• Knitted mesh or non-knitted sheet forms
• Absorbable materials, non-absorbable materials, or a combination of both

Hernia mesh products made from animal tissue are less common. Most of the tissue used for these products comes from cows or pigs.

When do you use hernia mesh?

A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ or fatty tissue bulges through a hole or a weak area of muscle. Hernias are a common occurrence and there are different types of hernias. Most hernias occur in the abdomen or groin area.

The only way to repair a hernia is through surgery. Every year in the United States, more than one million hernia repair surgeries are performed. There are two types of hernia operations: laparoscopic and open repair.

Most hernia repair procedures use a hernia mesh. A hernia mesh is meant to reduce the chance of hernia recurrence. During surgery, the surgeon places the hernia mesh on the area surrounding the hernia. The hernia mesh is meant to provide reinforcement to the repaired hernia site.

Unfortunately, surgical hernia repair can come with complications. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are many adverse events that can follow hernia repair with surgical mesh, including the following:

• Pain
• Infection
• Hernia recurrence
• Adhesion
• Bowel obstruction
• Mesh migration
• Mesh shrinkage

What is hernia mesh migration?

Hernia mesh migration occurs when the surgical mesh that the surgeon attached to the abdominal wall during hernia repair surgery becomes detached and displaced into an organ.
Hernia mesh migration can cause a number of problems in patients, including infections, fistulas, adhesions, abscesses, and bowel obstruction.

A fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts. A rare type of fistula that can occur as a result of mesh migration is between the intestinal tract and the skin.

Another problem that can result from hernia mesh migration is bowel obstruction. Though rare, bowel obstruction can even occur when the mesh completely migrates into the bowel.

If you have had a hernia mesh surgery and are experiencing any issues, contact your medical provider immediately.

Why does mesh migration after hernia surgery happen?

There are a number of factors that can impact mesh migration, and currently, the precise causes of mesh migration and the exact frequency remain unknown. However, this problem has received increasing attention over the years. Thus, there has been an increased understanding of the potential causes of mesh migration as more reports and studies are published.

One review of hernia mesh repair migrations separated mesh migration into the following two categories:

• Mesh migration due to inadequate fixation or external displacing forces
• Mesh migration due to the gradual erosion of the mesh

The authors noted that displacement could lead to erosion and that a number of factors could contribute to the likelihood of hernia mesh migration and mesh erosion, including the following:

• Mesh fixation
• Mesh size
• Mesh shape
• Mesh material

Another author suggested that postoperative problems such as infections and inflammation could cause mesh migration.

Hernia mesh migration symptoms

While there is no clear answer as to why hernia mesh migration happens after surgery, it is clear that any hernia mesh migration symptoms should be addressed by a medical provider. In some instances, hernia mesh migration may not be apparent until it is an emergency situation.

If you have had hernia mesh repair surgery, look out for the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excess fluid retention
• Swelling
• Fever
• Chills
• Skin irritation

If the hernia mesh has migrated or eroded, then it will most likely have to be surgically removed. Other complications caused by the hernia mesh migration will have to be fixed as well.

Have You Experienced Hernia Mesh Migration?

You may be eligible to seek compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured. Contact Guardian Legal Network to find an experienced hernia mesh lawyer. An experienced hernia mesh lawyer can answer your questions and help you get the justice you deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can also provide additional insight regarding other hernia mesh migration lawsuits.

References

• “Hernia Surgical Mesh Implants“, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/implantsandprosthetics/herniasurgicalmesh/default.htm. Accessed September 8, 2022.
• “Hernia.” MedlinePlus, https://medlineplus.gov/hernia.html. Accessed September 8, 2022.
• “Treatment options for inguinal hernia repair.” Mayo Clinic Health System, 18 February 2022, https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/treatment-options-for-inguinal-hernia-repair. Accessed September 8, 2022.
• “Surgical Mesh: Use and Complications in Women.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16298-surgical-mesh-use-and-complications-in-women. Accessed September 8, 2022.