Each year over 600,000 hernia repair surgeries are performed in the United States. Kugel mesh is used to repair inguinal, femoral, hiatal and umbilical hernias. The FDA along with the manufacturer issued a recall on Kugel mesh in 2005. This recall was announced following reports of patients suffering from bowel perforations and chronic intestinal fistulae due to the memory recoil ring breaking following the surgery.

Inguinal Hernia Mesh Repair

A hernia is a condition in which part of the intestine bulges through a weak area in muscles in the abdomen. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). It is called “inguinal” because the intestines push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near the groin. Obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and straining to pass stool can cause the intestine to push against the inguinal canal.

Symptoms of inguinal hernia may include a lump in the groin near the thigh; pain in the groin; and, in severe cases, partial or complete blockage of the intestine. The doctor diagnoses hernia by doing a physical exam and by taking x rays and blood tests to check for blockage in the intestine.

The main treatment for inguinal hernia is surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. This surgery is called herniorrhaphy. Sometimes the weak area is reinforced with steel mesh or wire. This operation is called hernioplasty. If the protruding intestine becomes twisted or traps stool, part of the intestine might need to be removed. This surgery is called bowel resection. (Bowel is another word for intestine.)

If you or a loved one has experienced hernia mesh complications please call or e-mail us to find out your legal options. We offer a free confidential consultation from a Kugel mesh attorney who can give you the latest hernia mesh lawsuit updates and claims filing deadlines.

We are currently representing patients affected by hernia mesh problems nationwide.

The recalled Kugel patch products were used for ventral or incisional hernia repair surgery. It is recommended that patients who have one of recalled Kugel patch mesh and are experiencing symptoms such as unexplained or persistent abdominal pain seek medical attention.

The following overview of hernias is from the National Institute of Health.

Description:
A hernia is a weakness or defect in the lining of the abdominal (belly) or pelvic (groin) wall. It can be present at birth or develop over the years.

Signs and Symptoms:
You may see or feel a lump under the skin or, in males, a bulge in the scrotum (this is usually intestine). This may present with straining while lifting heavy objects, during a bowel movement or urination. Coughing and sneezing may also produce a bulge. The lump may disappear when lying down or even with gentle pressure. A hernia can be present without an obvious lump. It can be painful or cause a burning sensation. Sometimes it may be present for years without any symptoms.

Treatment:
What should you do if you suspect that you have a hernia? There is no acceptable nonsurgical medical treatment for a hernia. The use of a truss (hernia belt) can help keep the hernia from bulging but eventually will fail. The truss also causes the formation of scar tissue around the hernia making the repair more difficult. Have your doctor perform an examination, because if the repair is delayed it can result in incarceration (intestine is stuck and cannot get back inside) or strangulation (intestine is stuck and develops gangrene). The latter is an emergency.

The hernia will not go away, it will only get bigger. The bigger the defect the bigger the operation required to fix it.

Under certain circumstances the hernia may be watched and followed closely by a physician. These situations are unique to those individuals who are high operative risks, i.e., severe heart or lung disease, or bleeding problems. Of course, even in the high risk person, if the symptoms become severe or if strangulation occurs then an operation must be performed.

Hernia Repair Surgical Options:

What type of operation is best for you?

There are two main options for hernia repair:

1) Open Repair: The traditional, open repair has been the gold standard for over 100 years. There are 5-10 different approaches and can be performed routinely with local and intravenous sedation. Open repair is generally painful with a relatively long recovery period.

2) Videoscopic (Laparoscopic) Repair: Videoscopic (laparoscopic) repair has been developed over the last 10 years. It is usually performed under general anesthesia but spinal anesthesia is an option. Local anesthesia can be used under special circumstances. Benefits of videoscopic (laparoscopic) repair compared to the open repair are: shorter operative time, less pain, and shorter recover period.

Videoscopic Hernia Surgery:
For videoscopic hernia surgery a telescope attached to a camera is placed through a small opening under the belly button. Two other small cuts are made (each no larger than the diameter of an eraser on the end of a pencil) in the lower abdomen. The defect is covered with a mesh (synthetic material made from the same material that stitches are made from) and secured in position with other stitches/staples/titanium tacks or tissue glue.

Risks to Videoscopic Hernia Surgery:
As with the open operation, bleeding and infection can occur. The risk of nerve injury appear to be less than in open repair, as does the potential for recurrences of the hernia.

After the Operation:
Usually you can be discharged home a few hours after the completion of the videoscopic hernia operation. Take it easy the first few days. Walking stairs is allowed, and walking outside (weather permitting) is encouraged. Taking a bath or shower 48 hours after the operation is permitted. Avoid driving for at least 3 days and any time while taking pain medication.

Remember to make a follow-up appointment with your surgeon 1-2 weeks following the operation. Seek medical attention sooner if you develop fever, bleeding, severe belly pain, excessive swelling or nausea and vomiting.

NIH Publication No. 02-4634
January 2002

Kugel Lawsuit

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