Hernia Repair Recovery

Hernia Repair Surgery Complications

A hernia is a weakness in either the lining of the abdomen or the pelvic wall. If you have a hernia there is no acceptable nonsurgical medical treatment option available. Unfortunately, many patients who have received recalled Kugel mesh have experienced serious hernia patch side effects such as bowel perforations, bowel obstructions and chronic enteric fistulas. Around 600,000 hernia operations are performed each year in the United States. When most people refer to a hernia they are typically referring to an abdominal hernia.

A hernia can be repaired using the Kugel patch through two main surgical procedures:

·        Open hernia repair – the traditional surgery where an incision is made near the bulge and the surgeon repairs the hernia through the incision. This type of repair is generally painful with a long recovery period.

·        Laparoscopic (videoscopic) hernia repair – a minimally invasive surgery usually performed under general anesthesia. During this procedure small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow the insertion of a camera and surgical instruments. The abdomen is then inflated with a harmless gas to create space for the surgeon to operate. There is a shorter operative time, less pain and a shorter recovery period compared to open surgery.

In both procedures the defect is covered with the Kugel mesh patch and secured in position with stitches, staples or tissue glue. The hernia patch recoil ring allows the mesh to be folded and placed behind the hernia defect where it later springs open and lays flat. The hernia mesh reinforces the weakened area of the abdominal wall to help prevent a recurrence of the hernia.

Hernia Patch Side Effects

The problem for many patients is that following their surgery the memory coil ring that opens the Kugel mesh patch during the procedure can break causing one of several hernia repair surgery complications such as a bowel perforation or intestinal fistulae. Patients who have been implanted with one of the recalled Kugel hernia patches are advised to seek medical attention if they experience any hernia patch side effects symptoms such as unexplained or persistent abdominal pain, fever or tenderness at the surgical repair site. These can be signs of a more serious problem caused by a memory recoil ring that has broken under the stress of placement in the intra-abdominal space. The ring can form a sharp point which can slice into and through internal organs leading to serious and permanent injuries.

Contact us today for more information about the Kugel Mesh Patch Lawsuit.