Top 3 Signs You Have Defective Hernia Mesh

Hernia repair surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed today, and for many, it provides a permanent solution to a painful problem. Surgeons often use a surgical mesh implant to reinforce the weakened muscle wall and prevent the hernia from returning. While these devices are supposed to be safe and effective, thousands of patients have discovered that their hernia mesh was defective, leading to life-altering complications.

Many defective mesh products are made from materials like polypropylene, which can degrade, shrink, and harden inside the body. This can trigger a cascade of painful and debilitating problems. Recognizing the warning signs of a failing implant is the first step toward getting the medical help you need and exploring your legal rights. At Walch Law, we have seen firsthand the suffering caused by these faulty devices and can help get you the money you deserve. These cases are hard fought from the other side which is why you want to hire us to handle things- we know how to win maximum compensation for our California hernia mesh clients. CALL NOW.

Sign #1: Chronic, Severe Pain

While some discomfort is normal after any surgery, pain that persists for months or even years is a major red flag. Chronic pain is the most frequently reported complication associated with defective hernia mesh. This isn’t just a minor ache; it can be a severe, debilitating pain that significantly impacts your quality of life.

Why Does It Happen?

Defective hernia mesh can cause chronic pain in several ways:

Inflammation and Foreign Body Response: Polypropylene and other synthetic materials used in many mesh products are not always biologically inert. Your body may identify the implant as a foreign object and launch a chronic inflammatory response, leading to constant pain, tenderness, and swelling in the area.
Mesh Shrinkage and Hardening: Over time, defective mesh can shrink, stiffen, and become rigid. As it deforms, it can pull on sensitive tissues and nerves, causing sharp, stabbing, or radiating pain. A hardened piece of mesh can feel like a foreign object under the skin.
Nerve Entrapment: As the mesh shrinks or migrates, it can entrap or damage nerves in the groin or abdominal wall. This can lead to neuropathic pain, which is often described as a burning, tingling, or shooting sensation that doesn’t respond well to standard pain medication.
Adhesion Formation: The inflammatory response can cause dense scar tissue, known as adhesions, to form. These adhesions can bind the mesh to nearby organs, such as the intestines or bladder. Any movement can then tug on these organs, causing severe abdominal or pelvic pain.

If you are experiencing persistent groin or abdominal pain long after your hernia surgery, do not dismiss it as normal. It is a critical sign that your mesh implant may be failing.

Sign #2: Persistent or Recurring Infections

An infection immediately following surgery can happen, but infections that develop months or years later are highly unusual and often point to a problem with the implant itself. A late-onset infection is a serious warning sign that your hernia mesh may be defective.

Why Does It Happen?

The materials and design of some hernia mesh products create an environment where bacteria can thrive.

Biofilm Formation: The microscopic pores in polypropylene mesh can provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria can form a “biofilm,” a slimy, protective layer that is highly resistant to antibiotics and your body’s immune system. Once a biofilm is established on the mesh, it is almost impossible to eradicate without removing the implant.
Mesh Erosion: Some defective mesh products have a tendency to erode through surrounding tissues. If the mesh erodes into an organ like the colon, it can introduce bacteria into the abdominal cavity, causing a severe and potentially life-threatening infection or abscess.

Symptoms of a mesh-related infection can range from localized signs to systemic illness. You may notice redness, warmth, or swelling at the surgery site, or the development of a pus-filled abscess. Systemic symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. Because these infections are so difficult to treat with antibiotics alone, the only solution is often surgery to remove the contaminated mesh.

Sign #3: Hernia Recurrence

The entire purpose of a hernia mesh implant is to provide permanent reinforcement and prevent the hernia from coming back. If your hernia returns at or near the site of your original surgery, it is a clear sign that the mesh has failed.

Why Does It Happen?

A hernia can recur for several reasons, all of which point to a defective implant:

Mesh Migration: Defective mesh can fail to properly integrate with the surrounding tissue. It may detach from the abdominal wall and move, or migrate, to another location. Once the mesh is no longer covering the weakened area, the hernia can push through again.
Mesh Shrinkage: As the mesh shrinks and pulls away from the edges of the repair site, it can create gaps. These gaps leave the muscle wall unsupported, allowing the hernia to recur.
Mesh Breakage or Fracture: Some mesh designs, particularly those with memory-recoil rings, have been known to break or fracture under the natural stresses of the body. A broken implant can no longer provide the necessary support, leading to a complete failure of the repair.

A hernia recurrence is not just a frustrating setback; it often requires another complex surgery to fix. Revision surgeries are typically more difficult than the initial repair because the surgeon must deal with extensive scar tissue and the failed implant.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Hernia Mesh Is Defective

If you are experiencing any of these signs—chronic pain, late-onset infection, or hernia recurrence—your first step is to seek immediate medical attention. Explain your symptoms and your surgical history to your doctor. Imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI may be needed to diagnose the problem.

Your second step is to understand your legal rights. You should not have to bear the cost and suffering of a defective medical device on your own. Manufacturers have a duty to produce safe products, and when they fail, they can be held accountable.

An experienced personal injury attorney at Walch Law can help you determine if you have a case. A hernia mesh lawsuit can help you recover compensation for:

Medical Bills: Including the costs of revision surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and long-term care.
Lost Wages: For the time you were unable to work due to your injuries and recovery.
Pain and Suffering: For the immense physical and emotional distress caused by the failed implant.

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers like C.R. Bard, Ethicon, and Atrium for the harm their defective products have caused. If you believe you are a victim, don’t wait. Contact Walch Law today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. 1-844-999-5342