Hernia Mesh Implants

Hernia Mesh Linked to Serious Injuries

Hernias are a common medical condition involving the abnormal exit of tissue or an organ, such as the bowel, through the wall of the cavity in which it normally resides.  Hernias can occur at many places in the body but are most common in the abdomen or groin.  Not all hernias are symptomatic, and not all require treatment; however, when treatment is required this normally will be in the form of surgical intervention.  Tens of thousands of hernia surgeries are performed each year in Canada. 

Many doctors use a product known as “mesh” during hernia surgeries to strengthen the hernia repair and reduce the rate of recurrence.  These surgical meshes are made of synthetic materials, such as vinyl and/or nylon, and are intended to remain in the body permanently.  There are many varieties of mesh currently in use in Canada, manufactured by various large corporations. 

In recent years, an increasing body of medical evidence has emerged linking certain mesh products which contain polypropylene – a type of plastic – to high rates of defects.  Despite being marketed as safe for permanent use in the body, these polypropylene mesh implants can disintegrate, and even spread throughout the body.  When this happens the side effects can be very serious. 

Harmful Side Effects

The most common adverse reactions from the defective hernia mesh products can include:

  • Pain – usually around the hernia site
  • Infection
  • Hernia Recurrence – often requiring further surgery
  • Urinary problems – including dysuria (blood in the urine), and painful/interrupted urination

In some cases, there can also be very serious medical complications, including:

  • Adhesion – build-up of scar tissue around the mesh, causing chronic inflammation
  • Sepsis – due to untreated infection, which can be life-threatening
  • Mesh Migration – the mesh fragments break off and travel throughout the internal cavity, potentially causing further issues such as bowel obstructions and perforation of the organs

Hernia mesh products that are defectively designed may contract, shrink, harden, or migrate once in the body. When this occurs, many patients experience severe or even fatal side effects.

Manufacturers of these hernia mesh products have at times promoted them to be used in situations in which less invasive measures can be taken, such as to repair small hernias, when that can be done through laparoscopic surgery.

Treatment Options Are Limited

Unfortunately for patients experiencing the effects of defective hernia mesh products, treatment options are limited.  These products are intended to adhere to the body tissue and remain in place permanently.  Patients may be required to undergo one or more revision surgeries, in an attempt to remove the problematic mesh.  Most often full removal of the mesh is not possible.  For some patients, this may mean a lifetime of medical complications.

Cariati Law Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered injury after a hernia surgery, defective mesh could be involved. Call the experienced Toronto, Mississauga and Hamilton, Ontario Product Liability lawyers of Cariati Law right away at 905-629-8040 or fill out a free consultation form online. At Cariati Law, we will speak with you for free and review every detail of your situation. You will never pay a lawyer’s fee up front, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Our experienced Ontario lawyers promise to handle your case with dedication and compassion, and fight hard to secure the maximum recovery for your injuries.

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