Patients affected by the hernia mesh recall continue to look at their legal options including filing a Kugel patch lawsuit. The Kugel hernia mesh is a repair patch that was designed for use in open ventral hernia repair. It works by helping to eliminate the tension and strain on the surrounding muscles, which reduces discomfort after hernia surgery. A hernia is described as a weakness in the lining of the abdominal or pelvic wall. Specifically, the Kugel hernia patch is meant to repair the abdominal wall, effectively reinforcing any weak tissue that surrounds the hernia.
Surgeons make a small incision and create a pocket in the perperitoneal space. The hernia mesh patch will then be placed behind the hernia inside the abdominal cavity. A plastic memory recoil ring holds the patch in place, which allows the patch to folded during insertion and lay flat once it is in place. Over 78,000 hernia surgeries have used the Kugel hernia mesh patch.
Complications with the Kugel Hernia Mesh
Davol, the manufacturer of the Kugel hernia patch, began receiving complaints about the Kugel mesh patch in February of 2003. Apparently, the recoil ring that keeps the patch open after implantation is subject to break under the stress in the abdomen. The memory ring is a hard plastic that can form sharp edges, which can then puncture the internal organs.
Several cases have stated serious injuries, including bowel obstruction, bowel perforation, chronic intestinal fistulae, and serious infections. The symptoms of the Kugel hernia mesh breakage are said to be unexplained and persistent abdominal pain, fever, and tenderness at the site of the surgery. The manufacturing company began recalling the Kugel mesh patches in December of 2005, while also distributing patches that were meant to be larger and improved.
Hernia Mesh Lawsuit
The hernia mesh lawsuit has a goal of helping the individuals that have experienced illness or injury due to the Kugel mesh patch. If you have suffered any of the side effects from one of these defective hernia repair patches, then there may be legal recourse for you. You should confirm with your surgeon or physician that one of the recalled patches was used before seeking legal counsel, however. There is no nationwide class action suit against Devol for the defective Kugel hernia mesh, so each individual patient must seek damages on their own.
The pending lawsuits state that Davol should be held responsible, as it is the duty of any pharmaceutical and medical device company to provide the consuming public with safe and tested products. Many patients are suing for unpaid medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and a loss of their quality of life. Family members of those that have died as a result of the hernia mesh recall are seeking damages for pain and suffering, as well as any remaining medical bills. If you think there is a chance that you are the recipient of one of the defective Kugel hernia mesh patches, then you should see your doctor right away.

