A hernia refers to the protrusion of a tissue, intestine or organ through a weak spot, into an adjacent muscle or connective tissue. A hernia can develop when there is an increase in pressure, in a part of a body with a weakened muscle or, they can develop over time. Pressure on weakened muscles or the connective tissues could arise from diarrhea, constipation, heavy lifting or chronic coughing.

Hernias are of different types. However, the most common one among patients is an inguinal hernia. This type of a hernia causes the intestines to push through a weak spot in the lower region of the abdominal wall. Other types of hernia include Hiatal, incisional, umbilical, femoral and ventral hernias.

How is a hernia diagnosed?

Just like many other medical conditions, hernia diagnosis is based on an individual’s symptoms, physical examinations or imaging tests. In situations where a hernia doesn’t result in complications, then treatment may not be administered. However, in cases where they are deemed problematic, then surgery may be administered.

Treating Hernias

Some types of hernia can be treated through surgery while other types don’t require surgical intervention. The available surgical options include open repair and laparoscopy.

Open repair –This is whereby an incision is made near a hernia, and the protruding tissue is pushed back. The surgeon then sews it up and reinforces it with a mesh.

Laparoscopy is a procedure that allows operation through small incisions in your abdomen. Gas inflates your abdomen through the incisions making organs more visible. A small device which is equipped with a camera is inserted into one of the incisions while tiny instruments are inserted through the other incisions to repair a hernia.

The main reason for surgery is to ensure that the abdominal tissue or organ is put back into its proper position and place, and also to strengthen the abdominal wall. During the surgery, a surgery mesh is used to strengthen the abdominal wall, by acting as a second layer to the abdominal wall.

What is a Hernia Mesh?

It is a medical device made of synthetic material or animal tissue used by surgeons to provide extra support for the damaged tissues.

What are some of the complications brought about by hernia mesh?

Although hernia mesh is made to help patients recover from the painful hernias, some patients have found themselves suffering from several complications. Some of the complications from hernia mesh include:

Bowel and Intestinal blockage

Hernia mesh can cause such blockages, which if unattended can cause infections or even other forms of internal damages.

Pain and Bleeding

Months after such a procedure, patients may suffer pain often caused by the irritation of internal tissue by the material of the mesh or even as a result of some infection.

Mesh Migration

In some instances, hernia mesh may migrate into another body part causing complications. This kind of migration might also bring about infections to the affected body parts, causing severe or life-threatening complications.

Auto Immune Reactions

It refers to reactions where your immune system attacks your tissues and cells.

Organ Perforations

These are likely to happen as the hernia mesh migrates. During such migrations, several organs might be damaged or perforated, causing serious complications and long-term recovery. Other complications include fluid buildup at the surgical site, scar-like tissue that sticks tissues together, and also the risk of hernia recurrence.

In conclusion, the risks accompanying hernia meshes, depends on the kind of a hernia, how it is placed, where it is placed, and whether the surgery was an emergency or not. Therefore, hernia mesh surgery can be completed if only, the medical professionals and product manufacturers do their best to keep us safe. That is why, if you experience complications following such surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. All you need to do is consult your lawyer!