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Problems with Mesh Used in Hernia Surgery

Problems with Mesh Used in Hernia Surgery

You might have heard of people having problems with their hernia operations. Most commonly, this is a result of the mesh used. Because of this, other health issues might arise following the surgery.

According to Drug Watch, “About 90 percent of hernia repair surgeries in the U.S. use hernia mesh. Surgeons in the U.S. use hernia mesh in one million surgeries every year.”  Let’s take a look at some of the problems with mesh and why they occur.

Why Is Mesh Used in Hernia Surgery?

When somebody has a hernia surgery, a surgical mesh is used. According to Reference.com, “Surgical mesh is used to repair and provide support to the weakened or damaged area.” Surgical mesh is one of the main materials used in hernia surgeries.

Why Does Mesh Cause Problems?

The mesh that is put in place is made up of a variety of materials. This includes metal, but it can contain other materials. Sometimes synthetic matter and animal tissue are used in the mesh.

According to U First Health & Surgical Center, which specializes in no mesh hernia surgery in Fort Myers, FL, because of the variety of materials used in the mesh, there is a possibility of negative reactions. Sometimes the body doesn’t accept the mesh, which causes additional problems.

The FDA has to approve of mesh products in order for them to be used. Unfortunately, the proper investigation isn’t always done. Sometimes the process is rushed, leaving room for defects. Additionally, the defective mesh products aren’t always recalled when they should be.

What Problems Can Be Caused by Mesh?

What problems arise will vary by the individual and their own reaction. These are a few of the more common problems that are seen:

  • Pain
  • Infections
  • Recurrence of a hernia
  • Bowel obstruction

When someone experiences these health issues, they will likely go back to the doctor to get it checked out. Other people just wait it out because they think it’s part of the recovery process.

If the symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor. They should be able to tell you if the symptoms are serious or not. Then the proper steps can be taken.

How Can Hernia Mesh Problems Be Avoided?

One of the reasons that so many people have adverse reactions is because of the quality of the mesh. As mentioned before, the mesh is made up of several different materials. These materials might not always be safe. All too often, recalled mesh is used in hernia surgeries. When that is used, the health risks can occur and cause additional issues.

You can talk to your doctor about the operation far in advance. See if they have any alternative options to offer you. Not every doctor will, but it’s worth a try. You can also see if they can give you other advice on the condition.

There are a few alternatives to surgical mesh. These include:

  • Shouldice repair
  • McVay repair
  • Bassini repair
  • Desarda repair

These may be safer than surgical mesh and can reduce the number of complications following the operation.

Watch for Adverse Reactions

After your operation, be sure to watch for any adverse reactions. Noticing them from the start can be helpful. Contact your doctor immediately if you think that you could be having a reaction to the mesh.

These are some of the symptoms you should be looking for:

  • Inflammation
  • Lack of healing
  • Incision site warmth
  • Flu symptoms
  • Chronic pain

It’s good to be aware of what could happen, but you don’t want to worry too much. Keep in mind that you don’t want to seek out these symptoms. Some of them can appear on their own and not have anything to do with the mesh.

Seeking Legal Help for Hernia Mesh Problems

If an individual finds out that they are having an adverse reaction to the mesh used, they might get legal help. There are attorneys who have experience in this area. They can take you through the necessary steps. When legal action is taken, you might be able to receive compensation.

It’s important that you choose an attorney who knows what they’re doing in this particular situation. They can check out your medical problems and the details of the operation. From there, they will be able to fight for you. It is much better to hire a professional to deal with this type of case rather than doing it on your own.

As you can see, the mesh can cause a lot of problems when it comes to hernia surgeries. It can be a helpful way to repair the damaged tissue, but it could lead to bigger problems. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your concerns. They might be able to give you other options. If there are issues with the mesh used in your hernia surgery, you should seek legal help.