Hernia Mesh Complications

Typically, hernia mesh complications fall under operative and post-operative categories, with operative issues arising from tissue damage during hernia mesh surgery and post-operative complications relating to hernia recurrence, pain from infection or mesh rejection.

Mesh migration and shrinkage are also possible complications of hernia mesh repair. Revision surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has looked at 45 studies conducted over 11 years on mesh used to repair hernias. They analyzed these studies to determine the likelihood of different complications that can occur following hernia repair surgery. Depending on the type of complication and the study involved, the risk ranged from 0% to as much as 52.5% for seroma, a lump or mass caused by a buildup of clear fluid in tissue.

Can Hernia Mesh Cause Problems Years Later?

Hernia mesh complications may occur soon after surgery or years later. About one in six patients may need a hernia repair within 10 years of the initial surgery, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Hernia mesh repair is a common procedure that has replaced recurrence as the most common complication. A 2022 research letter from the Michigan researchers published in JAMA, a peer-reviewed medical journal, reported no recurrence after three years but roughly 10% after eight years.

“Depending on the type of hernia surgery that was done, the complication will occur in the groin at four years on average — 50%, I should say — at four years,” renowned hernia surgeon Dr. Robert Bendavid told Drugwatch in a 2018 interview.

Many people who have experienced serious complications immediately after hernia surgery — or even years later — are filing hernia mesh lawsuits against the manufacturers of the mesh.

Infections can occur after hernia repair. Minor hernia mesh infections can be treated with antibiotics, but chronic infections around the mesh and the repaired hernia are difficult to treat.

Chronic infections can cause inflammation, fever and flu-like symptoms. To treat deep infections, doctors may perform hernia mesh removal surgery to remove the implanted mesh.

Surgical mesh tearing after implantation can cause recurring pain or hernia recurrence. It’s important to monitor your recovery and be aware of symptoms suggesting your hernia mesh may have failed.

Mesh failure refers to the inability of the mesh used in hernia repair to maintain its intended function. This can result either from mechanical failure of the mesh (e.g., it has migrated or contracted), or because of other adverse conditions that make it necessary to remove it (e.g., infection or bowel obstruction). Ultimately, mesh failure can lead to hernia recurrence.  

The symptoms associated with mesh failure will depend on the specific cause.

People who experience these symptoms should inform their doctors that they had hernia mesh surgery. Hernia mesh complications can be hard to diagnose. Surgery may be needed to confirm if the mesh is damaged.

Although recurrence is less common with mesh hernia repair compared to nonmesh, it may occur for several reasons, including flaws in the mesh’s manufacturing design. It can also happen if a patient is too active during hernia mesh surgery recovery, specifically in the first few weeks following surgery.

A 2024 study in Langenbeck’s Archives of Surgery found that recurrence was twice as likely for open hernia repair as it was for laparoscopic surgery.

Further research from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Stony Brook University found no dramatic clinical differences between various types of materials used to secure hernia mesh.

“In a study comparing permanent tacks, absorbable tacks and synthetic glue, all fixation methods showed no differences in postoperative pain and recurrence,” according to the researchers.

Mesh rejection can occur when the body tries to expel the implanted foreign material. It is more common among people who had their hernia repaired with synthetic mesh. This is caused by inflammation and scarring around the implant site.

Mesh rejection can manifest as the development of a firm mass, inflammation and sometimes infection. Late mesh rejection can occur months to years after the initial surgery, presenting with symptoms that the mesh may have broken down and needs to be removed surgically. 

Left untreated, mesh rejection can lead to severe complications such as bowel obstruction, fistula formation and chronic pain.

Hernia mesh surgery can cause bowel complications, the most serious of which are bowel obstruction and perforations. If the mesh moves, it can obstruct the bowel, trapping loops of the intestine. Mesh may also cause inflammation of the bowel.

Daniel Nigh, an attorney who has filed hernia mesh lawsuits after the devices failed, describes adhesions as a particularly complex complication.

“Hernia mesh itself can actually stick to various organs, one being the bowel, maybe one where it obstructs the bowel,” Nigh told Drugwatch. “And so now you have to have a revision surgery to unobstruct the bowel.”

Diagnosing hernia mesh complications can be challenging and may require X-rays or CT scans.

You should expect discomfort and tenderness after a hernia mesh procedure. However, prolonged pain, stabbing pain or swelling may indicate a complication.

Doctors can treat minor adhesions and fistulas with or without surgery. Nonsurgical treatments include antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers. Severe complications may require follow-up surgery to repair or remove the mesh.