The Uprising in Hernia Mesh Lawsuits and What the FDA Says
Hernia mesh is something that many people are familiar with as hernias are extremely common across the United States. Even if you have not had hernia mesh implanted in your life, you may know someone who has. Hernia repair procedures happen every day in this country, many of which involve the use of a synthetic mesh material. Some people may argue that hernia mesh is safe and effective. However, the thousands of complications reported by patients and physicians to the FDA cannot be ignored.
Hernia mesh is something that many people are familiar with as hernias are extremely common across the United States. Even if you have not had hernia mesh implanted in your life, you may know someone who has. Hernia repair procedures happen every day in this country, many of which involve the use of a synthetic mesh material. Some people may argue that hernia mesh is safe and effective. However, the thousands of complications reported by patients and physicians to the FDA cannot be ignored.
What is Hernia Mesh?
Hernia mesh products can vary somewhat from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the key material used to create hernia mesh devices remains the same – synthetic polypropylene. Some hernia mesh products are comprised solely of this polypropylene mesh while others are comprised of a combination of materials, which partially includes polypropylene. This synthetic material has been the subject of hundreds of thousands of lawsuits over the past couple of decades, both with regard to hernia mesh as well as more recently, transvaginal mesh.
Many people believed that hernia mesh lawsuits were long gone until just last year when injured individuals began filing personal injury lawsuits against manufacturers of hernia mesh products that have been recalled from the market. The injuries alleged by these individuals include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Chronic pain;
- Chronic infection;
- Bowel perforation as well as perforation of other organs;
- Bowel obstruction;
- Mesh erosion;
- Mesh exposure;
- Mesh degradation;
- Adhesions; and
- The need for removal of the hernia mesh product.
Many of these complications identified can be permanent in nature, as the hernia mesh products are intended to remain in the body forever. However, even if a hernia mesh product is removed, patients could still experience chronic symptoms or injuries resulting from the defective and dangerous nature of the hernia mesh product.
The FDA’s Position on Hernia Mesh
The FDA periodically issues public health statements which are often referred to as “Public Health Notifications” or “PHNs.” These notifications are intended to notify patients and physicians alike if there are complications or safety concerns associated with a particular food, drug, or medical device, among other matters regulated by the FDA. The FDA’s statement was updated as recently as April of this year, demonstrating that complications associated with recalled hernia mesh products are prevalent.
The statement notes that two common complications associated with hernia mesh are bowel perforation and bowel obstruction, which are both conditions that can be debilitating, painful, and require continuous medical care. While it is certainly positive that some hernia mesh products have been recalled, such recalls cannot undo the damage that the products have caused to thousands of people across the United States. Given the seriousness of hernia mesh complications and injuries, anyone affected should consider speaking with an attorney.
Contact Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation
Whether you or a loved one has suffered injuries you believe to be the result of a defective medical device, you should consider having your questions answered and your concerns addressed by a Georgia Product Liability Attorney at Montlick & Associates. Hernia mesh is just one of many medical devices that have been linked to personal injuries. As such, there is no harm by speaking with an attorney about whether or not you or a loved one may have a legal claim. With more than 39 years of combined professional experience, Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law is a firm that devotes its time and energy to helping injured victims from all across Georgia. If you would like to speak with one of our seasoned Georgia Product Liability Attorneys, contact our office today by calling (800) LAW-NEED (529-6333) to schedule your free consultation. You may also visit us online at www.montlick.com to complete a Free Case Evaluation Form, and you may also participate in a 24-hour Live Online Chat.
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