Hernia surgical mesh is used to repair hernias, which happen when an organ, intestine, or tissue squeezes through a weak spot in the muscle. Hernias commonly occur in the abdominal wall and, although they are sometimes found at birth, they usually occur later in life due to increased abdominal pressure. This may be due to obesity, lifting a heavy object, coughing, sneezing, or other things we do that require pressure in the abdominal area. 

One of the treatments for hernia is to repair the hernia surgically and hold the corrected area in place with surgical mesh. However, it is possible for the surgical mesh to fail, leading to serious complications. If you have had hernia surgery with mesh, these are the top seven signs that your mesh has failed.

Abdominal Pain

One of the most common signs that your mesh has failed is pain at the site of the implant. After surgery, pain at the location of the operation is normal, but chronic pain that seems to linger may indicate:

• Adhesion
• Bowel obstruction
• Calcification
• Fibrosis
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Internal injuries
• Mesh rejection
• Organ perforation
• Thrombosis

The pain may not develop until months or years after your surgery. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to tell your doctor so you can be evaluated.

Bulging

Bulging is a common sign that your surgical mesh has failed. This is a sign that the mesh has either dislodged or has migrated, which means it has moved into an area where it is not supposed to be. There have been cases where the failed mesh has caused a bulge the size of a softball. It is important to note that the bulge is not just cosmetic; it is also an area where infection can develop. You may also have a build-up of fluid in the area or there could be a rupture, which is extremely serious.

Burning

If the skin over your hernia is warm to the touch, it is a sign that the mesh may have shifted, disintegrated, or shrunken. You may also have an infection if the area feels warm to the touch. You may notice the warm feeling suddenly, or it may increase slowly over time. It may also come and go. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to be sure that the warmth is not caused by an infection that is unrelated to the mesh. If it is due to the mesh, the warmness will return after you stop taking the antibiotics.

Fatigue

While recovering from surgery, it is normal to be more tired than normal. If the fatigue lingers or is severe, your body may be reacting badly to the mesh implant. There are people who have a reaction to polypropylene mesh, causing what is known as oxidative stress. This condition causes white blood cells to create an immunity response to the mesh. Extreme lethargy may also indicate an infection or inflammation. If you don’t seem to be gaining your strength back fast enough, talk to your doctor.

Gastrointestinal Problems

When mesh shifts, it could put pressure on the stomach, intestines, or colon, which may lead to gastrointestinal problems. This may include the inability to pass gas or stool, and it is especially common in people whose mesh is used to correct umbilical hernias. This is due to the fact that intestines protrude through the belly button and the surgery could leave scar tissue. Constipation can lead to bloating, hemorrhoids, or fissures. In addition, straining to use the bathroom could cause rectal prolapse or fecal impaction.

Impotence

If you are male and your hernia was an inguinal hernia where soft tissue protrudes through the muscles of the abdomen, impotence may be a sign you have a mesh problem. This may be due to inflammation or irritation caused by surgical mesh, or a nerve may have been caught in the mesh during surgery. In other cases, the mesh can actually adhere to the spermatic cord.

Nausea

Although nausea can be caused by any number of medical conditions, if you have implanted mesh, it may be a sign that something is wrong. You may have an intestinal blockage due to the mesh migrating to the intestines or your stomach tissue could have become infected. Chronic nausea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances which is why you need to talk to your doctor if you develop persistent nausea, especially if you have a mesh implant.

If you have a mesh implant and are experiencing any of these symptoms, your device may be defective. Victims of defective medical devices are eligible for compensation. Many people who have been injured by pelvic mesh have received compensation to cover the costs that are related to their injury. Filing a lawsuit is the best way to hold manufacturers accountable.

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