Hernias are common injuries. More than one million people a year seek hernia repair treatment each year in the United States. For some people, hernia repair treatment includes surgical mesh implants, and these implants may fail prematurely resulting in significant injuries.
Do You Have a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when there is a weak spot in a muscle or connective tissue that allows an internal organ, part of the intestine, or some fatty tissue to poke through it. Some hernias may be asymptomatic, and other hernias may cause pain or swelling.
A hernia can occur to a person of any age, and it can happen in different parts of the body. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), six common forms of hernias include:
- Inguinal hernias which occur in the inner groin.
- Femoral hernias which occur in the upper thigh or outer groin.
- Incisional hernias which occur through an incision or scar in the abdomen.
- Ventral hernias which occur in the general abdominal or ventral wall.
- Umbilical hernias which occur at the belly button.
- Hiatal hernias which occur inside the abdomen, along the upper stomach or diaphragm.
Not all of these hernias are the same. Instead, these hernias may be:
- Reducible hernias which occur when the organ, intestine, or tissue can be pushed back through the opening.
- Irreducible or incarcerated hernias which occur when the organ, intestine, or tissue has filled the hernia sac and cannot be pushed back through it.
- Strangulated hernias which occur when the organ, intestine, or tissue gets stuck in the opening and the blood flow to the organ, intestine, or tissue is stopped.
Once your specific type of hernia is diagnosed, a treatment plan will be developed. This could include rest and monitoring to see if the hernia resolves itself or gets worse or it may include surgery.
Hernia Surgical Mesh Implants
Hernias that cause pain, interfere with daily activities, or grow larger may require surgery. There are two types of surgery that may be used:
- Herniorrhaphy is a traditional surgery that requires a long incision to fix the hernia. During surgery, the muscle is stitched closed, and then the outer incision is stitched closed.
- Hernioplasty uses mesh to cover the hole in the muscle. The mesh is attached to the muscle to cover the place where the hernia pokes through.
There are risks with both types of surgeries. Inflammation and infection could develop, for example, as they can after many different types of surgeries. However, hernioplasty carries additional risk. Some types of hernia mesh fail sooner than expected. A failed mesh is a type of defective medical product that can cause serious pain and significant injuries such as bowel perforation. If your hernia mesh failed then you may have needed additional surgery.
Call a Defective Medical Device Lawyer After a Hernia Mesh Injury
You should not have to suffer through the pain of an additional surgery, an infection, a perforated bowel, or another complication because a pharmaceutical company manufactured and sold a defective hernia mesh repair. Unfortunately, the risk of a premature failure rate is not limited to hernia mesh made by one manufacturer.
While you can’t go back and undo the harm that has been done, you can take action now to protect your recovery. You may have a legal claim for damages against the pharmaceutical company that made the hernia mesh. Your damages could include compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, out-of-pocket costs, physical pain, emotional suffering, and other losses that are related to your hernia mesh injury.
You can learn about your rights and about protecting your possible recovery, by reaching out to the experienced lawyers at Keefe Disability Law today. We would be pleased to provide you with a free, no-obligation legal consultation today. Call us, fill out our online contact form, or start a live chat with us at any time to find out more.
Are You Looking for a Mass Tort Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you have been injured by a defective medical device you need to speak with an experienced mass torts lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.
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