Dealing with complications from a hernia mesh surgery can be distressing, especially when a hernia mesh infection occurs. A hernia mesh infection requires prompt and specialized medical attention to prevent serious health consequences. Beyond medical care, navigating the legal implications of such complications can also be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has suffered from an infected mesh, seeking guidance from a knowledgeable legal team is crucial. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, navigate potential claims, and pursue compensation for the harm and suffering caused by this medical complication.
At Hollis Law Firm, we understand the challenges individuals face when dealing with the aftermath of a hernia mesh infection. Our team of dedicated hernia mesh attorneys is here to provide compassionate support and legal expertise to those affected. We have a proven track record of advocating for clients who have suffered due to defective medical devices, including hernia mesh complications. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in seeking justice and compensation for your injuries.Â
What Is a Hernia Mesh?
A hernia mesh procedure is a surgical technique used to repair hernias, which occur when an organ or tissue bulges through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. During the procedure, the surgeon places a mesh implant over the weakened area to provide support and prevent the hernia from recurring. The mesh is typically made from synthetic materials or, occasionally, biological tissue and comes in various shapes and sizes to fit the specific needs of the patient.
This surgical approach is preferred over traditional hernia repairs because it generally reduces the risk of hernia recurrence and allows for faster recovery times. However, complications such as mesh migration, adhesion, and infection can occur, necessitating careful consideration and monitoring by both the patient and their healthcare team throughout the recovery process.
Signs of Infected Hernia Mesh
Having a hernia mesh become infected is a painful experience no one should have to go through. Most hernia mesh infections cannot be cured with just antibiotics, and often, the infected mesh has to be removed through surgery. Hernia mesh repair surgery is painful and time-consuming. Understanding the symptoms of hernia mesh being infected is crucial to seeking appropriate help. If you have any of the following symptoms of hernia mesh infection after hernia surgery, you may qualify for a hernia mesh lawsuit.
1. Inflammation
Polypropylene mesh is used in hernia surgery because the polypropylene causes inflammation. The inflammation promotes tissue growth in and around the mesh, which forms a stronger bond. The inflammation sometimes goes away with time, but for many people, the inflammation continues and causes infection. Hernia mesh inflammation can create abdominal pain and tenderness, making everyday life difficult and painful, making it crucial to get hernia repair surgery or treatment.
2. Lack of Healing
Infected hernia mesh may prevent healing at the incision site and will likely prevent the hernia from healing. A hernia mesh infection may create a seroma – a buildup of fluid at the incisional site. This buildup of fluid is painful and messy and will prohibit the hernia repair from fully healing. When hernia surgery doesn’t go smoothly, it can lead to a lot of pain.
3. Warmth at the Incision Site
Infections generate heat, which can frequently be felt when touching the skin. If the skin in the area of the hernia mesh is warm or hot, it could be due to an underlying infection requiring hernia mesh infection treatment.
4. Flu-Like Symptoms
Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting following a hernia repair could indicate infection of the hernia mesh. A fever generally occurs when the body is fighting off an infection. The Atrium C-Qur hernia mesh has an omega-3 fatty acid coating that provokes an immune system response in the body. Especially when infection occurs, the body will display flu-like symptoms while fighting the infection and the mesh.
5. Dental Problems
Our hernia mesh lawyers have observed a high rate of clients developing severe dental problems after developing a mesh infection. Teeth become weak, infected, chip off, and eventually fall out. If your teeth have suddenly deteriorated after having a hernia mesh implant, you should see a doctor to be evaluated for a chronic mesh infection.
6. Chronic Pain
Up to 50% of hernia mesh patients report frequent or chronic groin pain following their hernia repair surgery. The pain is often debilitating and prevents people from everyday activities like grocery shopping, household tasks, or even standing comfortably. The pain may come from nerve damage or growing scar tissue.
Hernia Mesh: Biofilms
When an infection develops on a hernia mesh, it typically forms a biofilm. Biofilms are highly organized colonies of bacteria. Once a biofilm has formed, it becomes highly antibiotic-resistant. If a biofilm has formed, antibiotics will only suppress the infection’s symptoms, not cure it. After antibiotic treatment is discontinued, the infection will come back even stronger. Mesh removal is necessary if a biofilm has formed.
To learn even more on hernia mesh infections and biofilms, check out our hernia mesh infection article on MeshMedicalNewsDesk by our hernia mesh lawyer C. Brett Vaughn RN, BSN, JD.
How Are Hernia Mesh Infections Treated?
Treating a hernia mesh infection involves a comprehensive approach aimed at eradicating the infection while managing any associated complications.Â
Identification and Diagnosis
When an infection is suspected in a patient with a hernia mesh, prompt diagnosis is crucial. This typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan, and sometimes a biopsy to confirm the presence of infection. Symptoms like persistent pain, redness, swelling, fever, and drainage from the surgical site may indicate an infection.
Antibiotic Therapy
Treating a hernia mesh infection almost always requires antibiotic therapy. The specific antibiotics prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and their susceptibility to different medications. In some cases, antibiotics may be administered orally, while severe infections may require intravenous antibiotics delivered directly into the bloodstream. The duration of antibiotic treatment varies but is often prolonged to ensure complete eradication of the infection.
Surgical Intervention
In cases where antibiotics alone are insufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary. This typically involves removing the infected mesh and thoroughly cleaning the affected area. In some instances, the entire mesh may need to be removed, while in others, only the infected portion is excised. Following removal, surgeons may opt to delay the re-implantation of a new mesh until the infection is fully resolved and the surgical site has healed.
Wound Management and Care
Post-surgical wound care is crucial to prevent the recurrence of infection and promote healing. This may involve regular dressing changes, monitoring for signs of reinfection, and ensuring proper hygiene of the surgical site. Patients are often advised on how to care for their wounds at home, including keeping the area clean and dry and watching for any signs of complications.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from a hernia mesh infection can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the extent of surgical intervention. During recovery, patients may experience discomfort, limited mobility, and temporary restrictions on physical activities. Once healing is well underway, physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and function to the affected area.
Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are essential to monitor healing progress, assess for any signs of infection recurrence, and address any ongoing concerns or complications. Patients should communicate any new symptoms or changes in their condition promptly to their medical team.
How Does a Hernia Mesh Become Infected?
Understanding how a hernia mesh can become infected is crucial for anyone who has undergone hernia repair surgery using mesh implants. While hernia mesh is designed to reinforce weakened tissue and prevent hernias from recurring, infections can sometimes occur, complicating recovery.
Surgical Contamination
During hernia repair surgery, despite stringent sterile procedures, bacteria can inadvertently enter the surgical site, causing a surgical site infection. This surgical site infection contamination can occur from the patient’s own skin, surgical instruments, or even the air in the operating room.
Foreign Body Reaction
A hernia mesh is a foreign object in the body, triggering an immune response. Sometimes, this response can lead to inflammation and create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infection.
Pre-existing Infections
In some cases, patients may already have a low-grade infection in the area where the hernia mesh is placed. This infection can exacerbate after surgery or may not be fully cleared during the procedure, leading to complications later.
Mesh Material and Design
Certain types of mesh materials may have a higher risk of infection than others. Additionally, the design of the mesh, such as its structure and how it integrates with tissue, can influence the likelihood of infection.
Post-Operative Care
Inadequate post-operative care, including improper wound care or failure to follow post-surgical instructions, can increase the risk of infection. Patients and medical professionals must be vigilant in monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage.
Understanding these factors can help patients and their healthcare providers be vigilant about monitoring for potential infections after hernia repair surgery with mesh. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial in minimizing complications and promoting recovery.
Contact the Hollis Law Firm today and begin your Hernia Mesh Lawsuit
If you’ve developed an infection or other complications, such as bowel perforation after a hernia mesh implantation, contact the Hollis Law Firm legal team today. Our team is a leader in hernia mesh lawsuits. All case consultations are free of charge, and you’ll never owe any money unless your claim qualifies for compensation. Contact us today at (800) 701-3672 or complete a contact form for a confidential and risk-free review of your claim.
