The size, weight, and design of the hernia mesh are among the various reasons why your body rejects a hernia mesh implant. The body also rejects hernia mesh because it sees the implant as a foreign object invading the body and attacks the device.

The hernia mesh can fail over time if the body continues to reject an implant. If this happens, you may experience serious complications that require immediate medical treatment.

How Does the Body Attack Hernia Mesh?

The immune system plays a role in attacking hernia mesh. Since hernia mesh is not a natural part of the body, the immune system considers the device as a foreign object. The immune system attacks the mesh and tissues surrounding the implant to protect the body.

The immune system’s response can start a chain reaction of sorts. For instance, the immune system’s response can cause inflammation, which can lead to mesh infection. Infection can result in the device failing and cause serious complications for the implant patient. The patient may have to undergo surgery to remove the infected device.

Does Mesh Material Contribute to the Body’s Rejection of an Implant?

Mesh material is a factor in the body’s rejection of an implant. Hernia mesh consists of biological material, derived from human or animal tissue, and synthetic (human-made) material.

There is still a debate among medical researchers whether one type of material has an advantage over the other in hernia repair. But studies have shown how mesh made of both types of material can fail after hernia repair surgery.

According to a review published in the journal, Membranes, if the hernia mesh is not compatible with the body because of the device’s material or design, the immune system can form stiff scar tissue around the hernia mesh. The formation of scar tissue can lead to mesh infection and hernia recurrence.

How Will I Know If My Body Has Rejected My Hernia Mesh Implant?

You will experience one or more symptoms indicating that your body is not tolerating the mesh implant. For instance, you may have inflammation, bleeding, or redness around the surgical site.

Or, you may have chills, fever, nausea, or vomiting. While these symptoms may seem like a case of a bad cold or the flu, these symptoms are also displayed when a mesh implant fails.

Chronic pain is also a symptom of hernia mesh rejection. The pain can become so debilitating that it may interfere with you carrying out your daily routine. These and other symptoms come from by the body’s rejection of hernia mesh. Symptoms of hernia mesh failure can appear long after surgery.

What Is the Remedy for Hernia Mesh Rejection?

Doctors may recommend surgery to remove the hernia mesh because an implant patient can experience serious complications such as:

Bleeding
Chronic pain
Intestinal fistula
Seromas (fluid build-up around the surgical site)
Mesh shrinkage

Mesh migration can also cause complications for the patient and the need for surgery. Mesh migration occurs when the hernia mesh moves from the original site of implantation to other parts of the body.

Mesh migration can create serious complications depending on the location of the mesh. For instance, a mesh can move around and attach itself to the intestines and cause bowel obstruction. Migrating mesh can also puncture a hole in surrounding tissue and other organs.

So, no matter what complications a patient experiences, surgery may be necessary to remedy the damage caused by the failed hernia mesh.

Can a Hernia Returns If the Body Rejects the Mesh?

Hernia recurrence can occur when the mesh fails and causes a need for additional surgeries. Ethicon, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, experienced this with its Physiomesh Flexible Composite Mesh.

In 2016, Ethicon removed the flexible composite mesh from the global market. According to Ethicon, studies found its rates of hernia recurrence and revision surgery after laparoscopic ventral (abdominal) hernia repair were higher than comparable meshes.

Ethicon—as well as other hernia mesh manufacturers—now face lawsuits from implant patients who suffered complications from the failed hernia mesh.

We Can Help You Pursue Compensation for Your Hernia Mesh Injuries

If you suffered complications from a failed hernia mesh or if your loved one died because of mesh complications, you may be able to pursue compensation from the hernia mesh manufacturer.

The Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, additional surgeries to remove the mesh, the income you lost because of our inability to work, and other damages.

Our legal team can investigate your hernia mesh injuries and build a case that allows you to seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective hernia mesh product. Our team can inform you about what you need to know before you file a hernia mesh lawsuit.

Contact Us Today

To learn more about how The Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC can help you, call 865-546-1111 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.