If you have suffered complications after ventral hernia repair, you may be a victim of the defective Ethicon Physiomesh Flexible Composite Mesh hernia patch. A ventral hernia is a bulge or hole in the abdominal wall often forming after a previous surgical incision doesn’t heal properly. Ethicon recalled its defective mesh in May, 2016, after studies found that hernias come back and revision surgeries are required more often in patients with Physiomesh than with similar products.
Why is Hernia Mesh Used?
A ventral hernia is a hole or weak spot in the abdominal wall muscles. A very small hernia can simply be stitched closed. If it is large enough to require more than a few stitches, surgical mesh is often used as a patch to give added strength to the repair so that the weak tissue doesn’t just pull apart again. If you’ve ever tried sewing up a hole in your pants, only to have another blowout because the fabric was too worn to hold the stitches, then you get the idea.
Hernia Mesh Complications
Hernia mesh complications can include:
- Hernia recurrence
- Adhesion
- Bowel obstruction
- Infection
- Chronic pain
- Mesh migration
- Fistulas
- Foreign body response
Physiomesh Recall and Lawsuits
Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, recalled all of its unexpired Physiomesh Flexible Composite Mesh worldwide and issued this Urgent Field Safety Notice (PDF). Lawsuits have been filed by patients harmed by mesh complications. It is believed that a special coating on the mesh is the root of the problem.
If you have been harmed by hernia mesh, you may be able to recover substantial compensation for your injuries. Please talk to an experienced defective medical device attorney right away to learn more about your rights and potential compensation.
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