Hernia Mesh Failure

Hernia 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 (it has migrated or contracted), or because of other adverse conditions that make it necessary to remove it (infection or bowel obstruction). Ultimately, mesh failure can lead to hernia recurrence.  

About 30% of abdominal hernia repairs in the U.S. fail annually out of 600,000 procedures, according to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

To solve serious hernia mesh issues, doctors must remove the mesh or repair damaged tissues.

“Following hernia mesh failure, the revision takes place absolutely anytime at all,” the late hernia surgeon Dr. Robert Bendavid told Drugwatch. “Provided that pain is not the issue, if it’s simply a recurrence, it’s a straightforward operation.”

In addition to mesh removal, hernia mesh infections will likely be treated with antibiotics. Different types and brands of mesh are prone to specific failures.

Multiple follow-up studies, including one consisting of 1,720 participants published in 2022, found low rates of complications in inguinal hernia repair that used mesh. Five years after surgery, 3.9% of people reported severe or disabling problems, 3.2% reported pain and 3.1% reported limitations in movement.

Hernia mesh can fail due to factors such as product design, surgical approach and patient’s overall health. Failure can cause hernia mesh complications, requiring the removal or repair of the failed mesh.

Studies suggest that 5% to 20% of hernia operations result in mesh failure. According to a study in the British Medical Journal, the rate could be between 12% and 30%.

Product Design and Hernia Mesh Failure

Some mesh products are more prone to failure than others due to design flaws. The properties of the material used to make the mesh, such as its porosity and thickness, can contribute to these flaws.

“[The] appropriate choice of mesh may minimize hernia recurrence,” hernia surgeon Dr. Mazen Al-Mansour of the University of Florida’s College of Medicine told Drugwatch. “Mesh should ideally be used to reinforce the suture closure of the hernia defect rather than patching the defect.”

When complications occur, they can be serious. One report in the Food and Drug Administration’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database detailed a mesh failure resulting in the mesh migrating inside the body of a woman implanted with Atrium’s fish-oil-coated C-QUR hernia mesh.

She reported to the FDA that she never fully recovered following surgery and experienced severe burning pain. During a follow-up, her surgeon found that the mesh was “floating freely/not attached,” according to the report.

Surgical Approach and Hernia Mesh Failure

Several studies have shown that the surgical approach can play a significant role in preventing hernia mesh failure.

In 2024, a study published in Current Problems in Surgery highlighted a 12% chronic pain rate with inguinal hernia mesh surgery, compared to 6% without mesh. This prompted caution in mesh use due to the long-term pain implications. The authors concluded that poor surgical technique may lead to failed implants.

The World Journal of Clinical Cases reported a 2022 case study of a rare mesh plug erosion into the small intestine. The authors emphasized the importance of early detection and proper sizing to prevent future erosions.

Another 2022 study from the Brazilian Archives of Digestive Surgery found comparable hernia recurrence rates with staple or glue fixation but higher postoperative pain with staples.

If you suspect hernia mesh failure, be aware of these common signs and symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.

Some symptoms may indicate that a bowel obstruction has developed because of scar tissue from the implanted hernia mesh. A complete obstruction is a medical emergency.

Chronic pain that lasts for over three months after hernia surgery may indicate hernia mesh failure. Inform your doctor about any hernia mesh pain you experience after surgery.

Who May Be at Higher Risk for Hernia Mesh Failure?

Some health conditions and medications may increase your risk of hernia mesh failure.

A 2024 study published in the journal Cureus found that 17.2% of 274 hernia repair surgery patients experienced complications, with obesity and diabetes being significant risk factors.

Comorbidities, especially Type 2 diabetes, were associated with a higher likelihood of complications. To reduce the risk of hernia mesh failure, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, as well as avoiding smoking, can be beneficial.

Hernia mesh lawsuits claimed patients developed serious or painful complications after surgery. Some hernia mesh products have faced recall due to higher-than-average failure rates.

Hernia mesh manufacturers who have issued recalls or market withdrawals include Ethicon, Atrium and Bard Davol. Certain mesh brands named in lawsuits, such as Physiomesh Flexible Composite Mesh, have had higher rates of hernia recurrence. Ethicon pulled it from the market in 2016.

People who had these brands implanted during surgery and experienced serious problems afterward filed lawsuits against the manufacturer after the mesh failed. As of December 2024, there were 26,246 hernia mesh lawsuits pending. Settlement talks are ongoing, but no global settlements have been announced.

If you have experienced hernia mesh failure, it may be necessary to undergo surgery to remove the mesh, repair the hernia, and manage any ensuing complications.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a high or prolonged fever, severe vomiting, complete bowel blockage or any other signs of serious surgical complications.

If your doctor determines your mesh failed, document all treatment and preserve the failed mesh if you get it removed. You may need the mesh for evidence in a future legal claim.